Over She Goes

But first rate pretty young ladies - indeed four, yes four first rate pretty young ladies! But even gazing at Sally Gray, Claire Luce etc. Isn't enough to make watching this worthwhile - except maybe as a snapshot of 1930s popular entertainment.

Unlike the 1930s films from the Aldwych Farce team which were funny, frenetic fast-moving farces, Lupino's films suffer from them being a general all round reflection of a typical music hall show. With an obligatory mix of song and dance and jokes, the comedy is diluted. Although this isn't going to make you laugh, the infectious cheerfulness of everyone might just lighten your mood. Another thing you'll find is that however tiresome the humour gets, you'll find it totally impossible to dislike Mr Lupino.

It's a shame that Stanley Lupino and Laddie Cliff are so forgotten today (maybe it's because they both died young). Watching this film, you could see why they were once so popular. This movie is an adaptation of a highly successful stage play in London (at the start of the final song, images of a theatre and audience are superimposed over Lupino's face). The plot moves along swiftly, filled with absurd situations, romantic shenanigans, witty one-liners, and lively songs. It's popular entertainment from a bygone age, but it's still so accessible and fun. I was still humming the songs long after watching the film.

If anyone wanted to know what watching a west end show in the 1930s is like well in my view this is as near the experience as you are likely to get.It is likable and at the same time forgettable.Its humour and the performances are an epitome of the era.It is not widely seen,maybe because all of the English leads are long forgotten.Clearly trying to get a foot in the all important American market by having the equivalent of a modern day celebrity,Max Baer,in the cast.A common feature of British musicals of the 30s.However the best moment in this film is the number"side by side".It has clever lyrics and with the actors and camera going a whole 360 degrees whilst performing the song whilst moving in unison.A real show stopper.Worth seeing if only for this number.