All In

Very much in the style of the Aldwych farces though not by Ben Travers, All In is an exuberant comedy, with an amusing, excellently timed performance from Ralph Lynn. It's a prime example of what an excellent director of comedies Marcel Varnel was - not only does he keep the absurd plot constantly on the move, but gets some fine playing from the experienced cast. The result is a lot more than just the film of a play. Jack Barty, perhaps known best as Mae Busch's mad butler Jitters in Oliver The Eighth, is entertaining as a wrestler who starts fighting whenever he hears a bell. Also a chance to see the enjoyable Claude Dampier in more than a cameo role. All-in wrestling in 1930's England was unlicensed and unregulated and included some unscrupulous promoters who'd try anything to keep bloodthirsty spectators watching and the film provides a flavour of this. Ralph Lynn is thrown about the ring at one point, surely beyond the call of duty.