The Battleaxe (1962)
Directed by Godfrey Grayson
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Synopsis by Hal Erickson
Battleax is proof positive that "mother in law" jokes are not the exclusive domain of American TV comedians. The middling British comedy stars Francis Matthews and Jill Ireland as an engaged couple. Matthews' and Ireland's pre-connubial bliss is shattered by the future bride's domineering mother. Unable to withstand this wicked witch of the Northlands, Matthews tries to weasel out of the marriage by suing Ireland for breach of promise--the broken promise being that momma would stop meddling. Joan Haythorne is the title character, as well as the sole reason to spend the 66 minutes required to sit through Battleax.
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Keywords
family-disapproval, lawsuit, engagement, mother, mother-in-law, love, breach-of-promise, in-law, lawyer