The Magic Box (1952): cast, story & where to watch

Released in 1952, The Magic Box is a drama film directed by John Boulting, running about 118 minutes. “A rich and deeply moving story of a man whose achievement opened up a new world, and of the two women whose love and sacrifices made it possible!” — that tagline sets the tone.

What it’s about. Now old, ill, poor, and largely forgotten, William Freise-Greene was once very different. As young and handsome William Green he changed his name to include his first wife's so that it sounded more impressive for the photographic portrait work he was so good at. But he was also an inventor and his search for a way to project moving pictures became an obsession that ultimately changed the life of all those he loved.

Who’s in it. The Magic Box stars Robert Donat as William Friese-Greene, Margaret Johnston as Edith Harrison Friese-Greene, Maria Schell as Helena Friese-Greene and Renée Asherson as Miss Tagg, among others.

How it landed. With an audience score of 6.3/10, The Magic Box has drawn a solid, mixed-to-positive response. It went on to earn $110.4K at the box office.

Where to watch. Streaming options change often. See the full, country-by-country breakdown on our where to watch The Magic Box page.

If you liked it. Fans of The Magic Box tend to enjoy The Shawshank Redemption, The Godfather, Schindler's List and The Godfather Part II.