On Approval (1964 film)

On Approval is a television film adaptation of Frederick Lonsdale's play of the same name. Produced by Granada Television, it was broadcast in 1964.

The film is a comedic period piece centered on the romantic entanglements of four wealthy and eccentric individuals: the recently widowed Helen Hayle, the impoverished Duke of Bristol, the snobbish Mrs. Maria Wislack, and the adventurous Richard Halton. The plot revolves around the "on approval" experiment proposed by Mrs. Wislack, whereby she and the Duke agree to spend a month together in isolation to determine their compatibility for marriage. Helen and Richard join them, and the isolation quickly reveals the characters' true and often unpleasant natures, leading to humorous clashes and shifting affections.

The television adaptation, like the play, relies heavily on witty dialogue and character-driven comedy. The production values were typical of British television of the era. While not widely known, the 1964 On Approval offers a glimpse into the style and content of televised drama from that period, preserving Lonsdale's comedic work for a television audience. Its historical significance lies in its adaptation of a popular stage play for a new medium.