Comediantes de Alcova

This really is a film for those who appreciate a) filmed theatre and b) English humour c) optimism in adverse situations. The show is run by Gracie Fields erstwhile actress and singer from the north of England and who typifies the 'ee by gum accent ! A clan of out-of-work actors take over the running of a rich household but their profession remains unbeknown to the owner of the house. The staff already in place on Fields' arrival are summarily dismissed by her when she discovers that they have been "cooking" the books and indulging in illegal practices In addition to this the owner of the house has a son, played by Roddy McDowell, very young, who has a communication problem with his father -in fact, his mother ran away with another man whilst he was very young but he had always been led to believe that she had died.

The film is very optimistic and Fields is truly unflappable in when trying to deal with the various problematic situations that crop up. In the end the whole of the troop put in a splendid actors' performance in a bid to send packing Mr Graham's wife who suddenly turns up and demands money ! This fine episode brings a conclusion to a film well worth watching if you are lucky enough to see it scheduled !