Eventually, when the youngest daughter is willing to stay at home for the sake of her mother's happiness, Mrs. Hapgood realises that she must accept the inevitability of the break-up of the family.

There is, however, the same neat dialogue and quiet insight into ordinary domestic affairs that characterised the play, and although not in essence a film – the three acts are still too clearly defined, for one thing – Fly Away Peter is painstakingly made and entertaining.

The best performance undoubtedly comes from Margaret Barton as the wholly practical and delightful younger daughter; but she is run a very close second by Peter Hammond in his study of her amiable boy friend.

Frederick Piper and Kathleen Boutall are true to type as Mr and Mrs. Hapgood, but a few of the supporting players are a trifle stiff.

The film is one of words rather than deeds, but its lifelike leading characters move easily about the parlour and extract pleasing sentiment and wholesome laughter from its fireside theme.