The Good Companions

Story of disparate characters who "run away" from their unhappy lives and who by chance all meet up with a broke and stranded troupe of musical entertainers. They band together, the show goes on, and they all find what they were looking for.

At 112 minutes, it seems longer than most British "musicals" of the time but the story stretches out at a leisurely pace to a surprising and satisfying conclusion.

Chief among the delights here are Jessie Matthews, John Gielgud, Edmund Gwenn, and Mary Glynne. Matthews plays Susie Dean (star of tomorrow ... or the day after) and although she is not the solo star, this ranks among her best performances. Gielgud and Gwenn are terrific (and never looked younger) as the music teacher and laid-off worker, and Glynne shines as the wallflower who blossoms in the group of good companions.

Also in cast Finlay Currie, A.K. Baskcomb, and a very young Jack Hawkins as Albert. Directed by Victor Saville.

The climactic benefit show that features Matthews amid the turmoil is a terrific sequence, and its conclusion and follow-up scene are just plain wonderful.