The Rake's Progress
“The private life of a magnificent heel...who brought out the woman in women!”
Synopsis
Vivian Kenway, a young Englishman from an aristocratic background, flunks out of Oxford, and decides to use his considerable charm to achieve his goal of, apparently, making dissipation his career. His derelictions include seduction, betrayals of sweethearts, family and friends, and Marriage for money. All this with no signs of remorse or redemption, since his life as a completely unprincipled rake is quite enjoyable...for him, at least. Then, World War II breaks out and he is given a chance to die a heroic death for flag and country. Maybe.
Top Cast
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Rex Harrison
Vivian Kenway
Lilli Palmer
Rikki Krausner
Godfrey Tearle
Colonel Robert Kenway
Griffith Jones
Sandy Duncan
Margaret Johnston
Jennifer Calthorp
Guy Middleton
Fogroy
Jean Kent
Jill Duncan
Marie Lohr
Lady Angela Parks
David Horne
Sir John Brockley
Garry Marsh
Sir Hubert Parks
Alan Wheatley
Edwards
Joan Hickson
Miss Parker
David Walbridge
Vivian Kenway as a child
Brefni O'Rorke
Bromhead
John Salew
Burgess
Charles Victor
Old Sweat
Jan Van Loewen
Soldier
Patric Curwen
Release History & Theatrical Window
November 1, 1946
Wide Cinema Exhibition
Key Information & Fast Facts
- Director
- Sidney Gilliat
- Screenplay & Story
- Sidney Gilliat, Frank Launder
- Original Score
- William Alwyn
- Original Title
- The Rake's Progress
- Country of Origin
- United Kingdom
- Spoken Languages
- English
- Runtime
- 1h 40m
- Production Studios
- J. Arthur Rank Organisation
Creative Leadership & Key Crew
Sidney Gilliat
Sidney Gilliat, Frank Launder, Val Valentine
William Alwyn
Wilkie Cooper
Thelma Connell
Sidney Gilliat, Frank Launder
Department Leadership Roster
Sidney Gilliat
Director
Sidney Gilliat
Screenplay
Frank Launder
Screenplay
Sidney Gilliat
Producer
Frank Launder
Producer
William Alwyn
Original Music Composer
Wilkie Cooper
Director of Photography
Thelma Connell
Editor
David Rawnsley
Production Design
Yvonne Caffin
Costume Design
Production Stills & Gallery
Official cinematic photography and background stills for The Rake's Progress.
Featured In Curated Collections
Editorial lists, community rankings, and cinematic collections featuring The Rake's Progress.
War: World War II
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Frequently Asked Questions About The Rake's Progress
Quick factual answers about cast, synopsis, director, box office, and release information.
What is The Rake's Progress about?
Vivian Kenway, a young Englishman from an aristocratic background, flunks out of Oxford, and decides to use his considerable charm to achieve his goal of, apparently, making dissipation his career. His derelictions include seduction, betrayals of sweethearts, family and friends, and Marriage for money. All this with no signs of remorse or redemption, since his life as a completely unprincipled rake is quite enjoyable...for him, at least. Then, World War II breaks out and he is given a chance to die a heroic death for flag and country. Maybe.
Who directed The Rake's Progress?
The Rake's Progress was directed by Sidney Gilliat.
Who stars in The Rake's Progress?
The principal cast of The Rake's Progress includes Rex Harrison, Lilli Palmer, Godfrey Tearle, Griffith Jones, Margaret Johnston.
When was The Rake's Progress released and how long is it?
The Rake's Progress was released in 1945 with a total runtime of 1h 40m.
Who composed the musical score for The Rake's Progress?
The original motion picture soundtrack for The Rake's Progress was composed by William Alwyn.