Some actors are so associated with one role that because of the lack of availability of their other films, people are unaware of their longevity in the entertainment field. Such was the case for Stanley holloway, so associated with his role in "My Fair Lady" that other films of his are up even though he has appeared in quite a few British classics. Here he's a veteran music hall performer so well known for his performing of songs about drinking that when the young Tommy Trinder comes along, Holloway is upset and demands that he change his act. But by this time, the young Trinder has becoming even more successful than Holloway so any attempt to change his act is met with public fury.
While the world of the music hall has passed into obscurity like burlesque and vaudeville (snippets of which are still utilized in shows and movies about that era), the nostalgia of that bygone era always provides a colorful look at past trends in entertainment. Trinder's persona reminds me of that later Tommy (Steele), and while I haven't been crazy about other films of his, I found him enjoyable to watch in this one. Perhaps it is because this focuses on British music friends than classic British styles of humor (still present but in smaller doses) that he's more watchable, a formidable foe for Holloway who gives a good indication of his character's working class background even when he's imitating a working-class character in gentleman attire.
The film itself is extremely dated and will be of curiosity mainly to students of theatrical history, British cinema and various trends in comedy and music. It's a lavish production that could have benefited from color, but considering that it was made during wartime, budget most likely did not allow it. The supporting cast features some terrific characters, mainly Betty Warren and Jean Kent as the music hall owner and her daughter whom Trinder is in love with. This definitely was one of Ealing's big A films of the war era. The songs aren't really memorable but are the type of songs that haven't fared well outside of the music hall scene, more accessible for the working class, an aspect of the business that is dealt with through legitimate theaters protesting music halls.
While the world of the music hall has passed into obscurity like burlesque and vaudeville (snippets of which are still utilized in shows and movies about that era), the nostalgia of that bygone era always provides a colorful look at past trends in entertainment. Trinder's persona reminds me of that later Tommy (Steele), and while I haven't been crazy about other films of his, I found him enjoyable to watch in this one. Perhaps it is because this focuses on British music friends than classic British styles of humor (still present but in smaller doses) that he's more watchable, a formidable foe for Holloway who gives a good indication of his character's working class background even when he's imitating a working-class character in gentleman attire.
The film itself is extremely dated and will be of curiosity mainly to students of theatrical history, British cinema and various trends in comedy and music. It's a lavish production that could have benefited from color, but considering that it was made during wartime, budget most likely did not allow it. The supporting cast features some terrific characters, mainly Betty Warren and Jean Kent as the music hall owner and her daughter whom Trinder is in love with. This definitely was one of Ealing's big A films of the war era. The songs aren't really memorable but are the type of songs that haven't fared well outside of the music hall scene, more accessible for the working class, an aspect of the business that is dealt with through legitimate theaters protesting music halls.