Vice Versa (1948) in Color — Starring Roger Livesey & Anthony Newley

Vice Versa (1948) — Buy This Classic in Color

Step into the whimsical world of 1948 British cinema with Vice Versa, a delightful fantasy comedy directed by Michael Anderson. This charming film, based on the classic 1882 novel by F. Anstey, stars the brilliant Roger Livesey and a young Anthony Newley in a tale of a father and son who magically swap bodies. The story kicks off with a mysterious oriental stone that grants a wish, turning the staid Victorian businessman Paul Bultitude into his own schoolboy son, and vice versa. It is a timeless comedy of errors that explores the generation gap with wit and warmth. Own this classic movie in color as a DRM-free MP4 digital download for just €15.00.

Plot Summary

The film opens in the bustling, proper world of Victorian London, where we meet Paul Bultitude (Roger Livesey), a pompous and rather self-important businessman who runs a prosperous firm. He is a widower, and his primary concern is the future of his son, Dick (Anthony Newley), whom he believes is a lazy and thoughtless boy who cares only for cricket and mischief. Paul is preparing to send Dick off to a strict boarding school, much to the boy’s dismay. Dick, on the other hand, is a spirited and imaginative lad who feels his father is a cold, unfeeling tyrant who has no understanding of a child’s heart.

Just before Dick is to leave, his eccentric and somewhat bohemian brother-in-law, Marmaduke (David Hutcheson), arrives at the house. Marmaduke has just returned from a long trip to the East, bringing with him a strange, carved stone that he claims has magical properties. He explains that the stone has the power to grant a wish, but only if the wisher is pure of heart and truly believes. Amused and skeptical, Paul and Dick scoff at the idea. However, in a moment of frustration, Paul wishes aloud that he could be a boy again, free from the cares of business, while Dick, in the same breath, wishes he were a grown man with no school to attend.

To their utter astonishment, the stone glows with an eerie light, and a strange, swirling mist envelops them. When the mist clears, they have swapped bodies. Paul, now trapped in Dick’s small frame, is horrified to find himself facing the prospect of going to school, while Dick, in his father’s body, is delighted to be free from his studies and in charge of the household. The initial shock gives way to a series of hilarious and awkward situations as each tries to navigate the other’s life. Paul, as a schoolboy, must contend with a bullying headmaster and the rigors of Latin grammar, while Dick, as a businessman, must attend board meetings and deal with his father’s stuffy associates.

The situation becomes even more complicated when Paul, in Dick’s body, finds himself falling for his own son’s sweetheart, the gentle and kind Dulcie Grimstone (Petula Clark). Meanwhile, Dick, in Paul’s body, is pursued by the flirtatious and opportunistic Fanny Verrinder (Kay Walsh), who sees a chance to marry a wealthy man. The two are forced to work together to find the stone and reverse the spell, but their quest is hampered by their own pride and the increasingly tangled web of their double lives. As the days pass, they both gain a new and profound understanding of the other’s struggles and responsibilities.

The climax builds as Paul, in his son’s body, is threatened with a caning at school, and Dick, in his father’s body, is on the verge of making a disastrous business deal. They must find a way to meet, retrieve the magical stone, and make a second wish before their lives are ruined forever. The film races towards its conclusion with a series of near-misses and frantic chases, leaving the audience to wonder if the two will ever be able to undo the magical mix-up and return to their rightful lives. The final question remains: can a shared wish, made with a true understanding of each other, set things right again?

Cast & Crew

Director: Michael Anderson
Stars: Roger Livesey, Anthony Newley, Kay Walsh, Petula Clark, James Robertson Justice

Why Buy This Classic in Color?

This colorized edition of Vice Versa breathes new life into a beloved classic, transforming the monochrome original into a vibrant visual feast. The careful colorization process reveals the rich, period-accurate costumes in stunning detail, from the deep blues and greys of the Victorian business suits to the bright, playful patterns of the schoolboys’ uniforms. The opulent sets of the Bultitude household and the dusty, atmospheric schoolrooms are given a new depth, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the world of 19th-century London. The colour also enhances the performances, making Roger Livesey’s exasperated expressions and Anthony Newley’s mischievous grins all the more expressive. This is a wonderful opportunity to see a classic tale of magic and family as it was meant to be seen, and it is a perfect example of how a professionally colourised film can enhance, rather than detract from, the original storytelling. Buy your copy today and enjoy this timeless comedy in a whole new light.

Historical Significance

Vice Versa holds a unique place in cinema history as one of the earliest and most beloved adaptations of F. Anstey’s 1882 novel. While the body-swap premise has become a staple of modern comedy, from Freaky Friday to Big, this 1948 film is a foundational text that established the comedic and emotional potential of the concept. Directed by Michael Anderson, who would later go on to helm epics like The Dam Busters and Around the World in 80 Days, the film showcases his early talent for blending whimsical fantasy with grounded, character-driven storytelling. It stands as a testament to the creativity of post-war British cinema, which was producing some of the world’s most inventive and charming films.

The film also features a remarkable cast, with Roger Livesey delivering a tour-de-force performance as the man trapped in his son’s body, and a young Anthony Newley, who would later become a major star of stage and screen, showing his prodigious talent as the boy in a man’s world. The supporting cast, including the wonderful Petula Clark and the formidable James Robertson Justice, adds to the film’s enduring appeal. At its heart, Vice Versa is a story about empathy and understanding, a message that resonates just as strongly today as it did in 1948. By bringing this classic in color to a new generation, we ensure that its charming message and delightful humor continue to be enjoyed, proving that some stories are truly timeless.

Technical Details

• Format: MP4 / MKV digital download
• Resolution: HD 720p
• Colorized: Professionally colorized from original black and white
• Audio: English original mono
• Runtime: 111 minutes
• DRM-free: Yes — watch on any device
• Instant download: Available immediately after purchase
• Price: €15.00

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Movie-Specific Questions

Q: Was Vice Versa (1948) originally filmed in color?
A: No, the original film was shot entirely in black and white, as was standard for British productions of that era. This page offers a later, professional colorized restoration of the film, which has been carefully crafted to add period-accurate colors to the original footage. It is not a studio color release from 1948.

Q: Is this the same story as the 1988 comedy Vice Versa with Judge Reinhold?
A: Yes, both films are based on the same source material, the 1882 novel by F. Anstey. However, this 1948 version is a distinctly British production that sets the story in its original Victorian-era setting, whereas the 1988 film is a modern American adaptation. This version is considered the more faithful adaptation of the novel’s original tone and setting.

Q: Who plays the schoolboy, Dick Bultitude, in this film?
A: The role of Dick Bultitude is played by a young Anthony Newley, who was a rising child star at the time. He gives a wonderfully energetic performance, especially when he is trapped in his father’s adult body. The film was an early and important role in his career, which later included success in musicals and as a songwriter.

Digital Download Questions

Q: What format is the download?
A: The film is delivered as MP4 and MKV files that play on virtually any device.
Q: Is there DRM on the file?
A: No. The download is completely DRM-free so you can watch it on any device without restrictions.
Q: How quickly can I watch after purchase?
A: Your download link is available instantly after payment, so you can start watching within minutes.

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