The Gay Dog

I enjoyed the film immensely as it presented an genuine snapshot of working class life in a Yorkshire mining town in the early 1950's. The terraced houses, back yards, humble kitchens, and of course the inevitable local pub, where folk gathered before the advent of wall to wall TV, to gossip and of course provide a social hub for the community. The historical authenticity of northern, urban working class life of the 50's is captured by the convincing regional dialects, the social manners and graces as well as the cloth caps, greyhound racing and where mother cooked wholesome English breakfasts and dinners, and where there was no sign of a fridge or a washing machine. The film emphasises the gender divisions prevalent at the time, where mother did all the cooking, while father was in the shed or in the garden. It was a joy to see the young Petula Clark, who went on to become a major singing star, as well as a host of well known British supporting actors such as Megs Jenkins, Peter Butterworth, Jon Pertwee, John Blythe and William Russell, who all went on to have long film careers. However, the star of the film is Wilfred Pickles, who plays, Jim Gay, a passionate greyhound race owner, who is given excellent support by the delightful Megs Jenkins , who plays his loving and adoring wife Maggie. The dialogue between husband and wife is something to behold, as it sums their gentle and warm relationship. The storyline is uncomplicated, a bit like the characters.