A pleasant concoction of witty comedy and realistic social satire, "Storm in a Teacup" is serious without being pedantic, funny without being cute. Its ingredients--poor journalist, rich girl, villainous father-seem trite only when taken from their content. Fast dialogue and expert acting fuse these elements into a picture that is still timely ten years after it was produced in England.

When an overbearing Scottish bailiff tries to put an old woman's dog to death because she can't afford a license, the journalist makes an issue of it, a laughing stock of the politician, and a bride of his sympathetic daughter. The journalist is sued, enabling the plot to disentangle itself in a fast-moving, hilarious court scene. Through the failure of his plans, the father understands that men must be allowed to think for themselves, and that democracy is ultimately the only possible form of government.

Rex Harrison as the idealistic journalist can deliver a speech on human rights or a quick Noel Coward-ish line with equal skill. Vivien Leigh lends quiet beauty, while Creel Parker as her father is able to arouse the admiration as well as the ire of the audience. Well buttered with wit, "Storm in a Teacup" at the same time holds political significance for an America that still remembers Huey Long.