The second filming of Frederick Lonsdale's delightful comedy of manners, this On Approval is especially noteworthy for one of the rare screen appearances of the gifted comedienne, Beatrice Lillie. Lillie was ill-used on the screen, a medium which couldn't capture her manic, pixie-ish brand of comedy. She gives what is possibly her best screen performances here; ironically, the reason it is her best is that she performs as an actress, not a comedienne. While she is undeniably funny, the role does not allow her to display her unique comic talents. Still, any Lillie is worth watching, whether she's immediately throwing away an item she has been requested to hold or attaching a pierced glare at an antagonist or demanding obedience from her almost-fiance. The rest of the cast is also quite good, with Clive Brook tossing out insults in a most delightful manner and Googie Withers making a fetching, sympathetic Helen. The script has been cut down a bit too much, and re-setting it in an earlier era than the original 1920's robs it of some of its flavor, but it retains many of Lonsdale's best lines and on the whole it's a commendable adaptation. Brook's direction is smooth, with the slightest hint of quirkiness enlivening the proceedings. On Approval would receive a British TV remounting in 1980, with Penelope Keith and Jeremy Brett.