Luck of the Draw

Luck of the Draw

1962 - United Kingdom

Accepting the luck of the draw has become the Green's family motto. But Arthur, at 28 the only unmarried one, begins to have doubts. Should he carry on as before or should he forget family tradition and give fate a definite hand?

Luck Of The Draw was about a sensitive and self-conscious young man who finds it hard to get on with girls. Arthur Green, played by Michael Caine, is a shy cockney waiter in his late twenties. A bungling dancer, an incompetent small-talker, he radiates tension when confronted by a pretty girl. And, like animals that attack when they pick up the scent of fear, the girls turn aggressive and humiliate him, which makes him feel worse. And so it goes on. 

In desperation, Arthur goes to the Devereux Introduction Bureau in order to overcome his shyness by finding his perfect match. The owner, Mrs Devereux (Jenny Laird) is helpful and sympathetic, and arranges a meeting with his "opposite number," Jenny Miller played by Ann Lynn. She is a Northerner, alone and friendless in London. All looks well until Arthur's mother (Joan Young) depresses him by saying only fate can fix marriages. 

Author Philip Levene's play was a comedy, and fate, as well as Mrs Devereux, was on Arthur's side. Said 29-year old Michael Caine: "It's a warm, sentimental play and Arthur is a pleasure to play-because I can remember feeling just like him." Certainly a far cry from the ladies man, Alfie, that Caine was to play four years later.

Shown under ITV's Drama 62 strand and aired on Sunday 9 September 1962 at 9.35pm lasting 60 minutes.   

Published on April 3rd, 2020. Written by Laurence Marcus for Television Heaven.

Read Next...

Cathy Come Home

Harrowing drama of one family's downward spiral into poverty that sparked a national debate in the Houses of Parliament on the plight of the homeless.

Also tagged Single Play

Animal Magic

Presented by the inimitable Johnny Morris, the man who not only spoke to the animals, but also for them, Animal Magic was a firm children's favourite on BBC television for no less than 21 years.

Also released in 1962

Alice in Wonderland TV play

The earliest television version of Lewis Caroll's fantasy masterpiece was broadcast before most people in Britain had televisions...

Also tagged Single Play

Checkmate

An expensive investigative agency operating in San Francisco protects the lives of people who had become targets of the criminal underworld.

Also released in 1962

The Bulldog Breed

A single series of seven comedies about Tom, the perennial optimist, as he wanders through life leaving chaos in his wake totally oblivious to the problems he causes for everyone.

Also released in 1962

After the Funeral

When Alun Owen's play 'After the Funeral' was read by Sydney Newman, head of drama for ABC Television, and William Kotcheff, the television director, they were so taken by his conception of Wales and the Welsh, they decided to see for themselves.

Also tagged Single Play

Already It's Tomorrow

After a road accident, an attractive girl recovers consciousness in a strange room. With her is a young man she has never seen before.

Also released in 1962

Dr Finlay's Casebook

Based on a series of stories 'The Adventures of a Black Bag' by Dumbartonshire born novelist A. J. Cronin, Doctor Finlay's Casebook proved to be an instant hit with viewers in spite of stiff competition from US exports Dr Kildare and Ben Casey.

Also released in 1962