Next to No Time

Next to No Time, released in 1958, is a delightful romantic comedy with a unique twist. Set on the majestic Queen Elizabeth, the film follows the life of David Webb, played by Alastair Sim, an unassuming planning engineer who finds himself embarking on a rather daunting journey to New York. Upon boarding the ship, David receives instructions that he is to negotiate a high-powered loan. However, he soon realizes that this is far from his area of expertise. As a rather timid and reserved individual, he lacks confidence and is completely out of his depth in such high-stakes negotiations. Despite his initial trepidation, David takes on the challenge, but his incompetence is evident to everyone on board, with the exception of the ship's purser, played by Dorothea Rood, who takes a liking to him. However, unbeknownst to David, his life is about to take an extraordinary turn. Each day at noon, when the ship's clocks stop to make allowance for their westward passage, something peculiar begins to happen. David notices that his personality changes dramatically during this one-hour period. Gone is the timid and reserved engineer; in his place is a confident and charming individual who is more than at home in the world of high finance. This sudden metamorphosis is initially confusing for David, but as the days pass, he discovers that the changed personality is a persona known as 'Mr. Webb.' With his newfound confidence, Mr. Webb becomes adept at negotiating the loan and effortlessly charms the people around him, including the beautiful Emily, played by Diana Decker. As Mr. Webb, David finds himself more and more at ease, but this raises questions about which personality is the real David: the timid planning engineer or the confident, smooth-talking Mr. Webb. As the ship nears its destination, David is faced with a critical decision. Will he choose the comfort and security of his familiar personality or take a chance with the charismatic, confident Mr. Webb? With a little help from the purser and his observations of David, Mr. Webb must convince him to take a leap of faith and seize the opportunities that lie ahead. Despite a somewhat predictable and linear storyline, Next to No Time has a captivating charm that makes it an enjoyable watch. The film takes full advantage of its setting, showcasing the grandeur and opulence of the Queen Elizabeth, and the cast delivers delightful performances that bring the characters to life. Alastair Sim's portrayal of David/Webb is particularly noteworthy, as he effortlessly navigates the complexities of his multiple personalities, bringing depth and nuance to the character. As the movie progresses, it becomes clear that Next to No Time is not just a romantic comedy but also a commentary on the human condition. The film explores the idea that our personalities are not fixed and that we all have different facets to our character. Through Mr. Webb, David learns to embrace his more confident and outgoing self, and in doing so, he discovers a newfound sense of self-assurance and self-worth. In conclusion, Next to No Time is a charming and lighthearted film that will leave audiences smiling long after the credits roll. With its unique premise, captivating setting, and delightful performances, it is a must-watch for fans of romantic comedies and for anyone looking for a feel-good film with a touch of magic.