Sailing Along

"Sailing Along" is an entertaining comedy musical with Jessie Matthews in the lead. One thing that makes this film stand out is one of her co-stars, Jack Whiting. He sings and dances, and the two have a smashing lengthy finale. The story has a somewhat goofy plot, but a good one, with another male co-star, Barry MacKay. But the best part of this is the music and dancing that provides a look at the very talented Whiting. Like Matthews, Whiting was also a stage actor and performer. But he made only a handful of films and had a few TV appearances. He worked mostly on the stage and performed in many musicals on Broadway and a few in London.

This movie was made while Whiting had gone to London with his wife for a regal celebration and festivities. They stayed a year or so. I'm glad they did, and that he made this film, because it's the best one that showcases his talents. The Philadelphia-born American was likened at times to Fred Astaire for his dancing. While his numbers are very good in this film, I don't think he could quite match Astaire. But, Whiting had a very good baritone voice, and he sang as much or more than he danced on the stage. He also made recordings

Jessie Matthews is always entertaining and does very well in this film. While the film is a comedy musical, and the comedy is good, it's just in small doses compared to most of the films that Matthews made. The rest of the cast are fine in their roles. Alastair Sim is a hoot in any comedy he is in, as he is here, in just a small amount of screen time Roland Young is okay as the person who pulls the musical aspects of the film together. Athene Seyler as his sister, Victoria Gulliver, is quite good. Barry MacKay's role takes a back seat to Whiting's, but his is mostly for the comedy, and that's as it should be.

By the third decade of the 21st century, I doubt anyone would be around yet who might have seen Matthews or Whiting on the stage. And, but for the live theatre patrons and clients of their time, few movie fans would have even known about Whiting. I am in that group; but through musicals like this I have been able to see performers who were quite prominent in the past. And, I enjoy then reading more about the lives and careers of those very good entertainers

Movie buffs who especially enjoy musicals, and comedy fans too, should enjoy this film. Matthews plays Kay Martin, MacKay is Steve Barnes, Whiting is Dicky Randall and Roland Young is Anthony Gulliver. Here are some favorite lines from the movie.

Kay Martin, "I know you wan me to be a lady, but I do so want to go on the stage, just to show Steve. He's so sure of himself." Victoria Gulliver, "That's a great quality in a man." Kay, "And awfully hard on a woman."

Kay Martin, "Today I smell grease paint for the first time. I hope it's not the last."

Sylvester, inhaling deeply, "Mmmm, I love the smell of the theatre. I'd like to paint it - the smell, not the theatre. Anthony Gulliver, "Uh huh. To think it's all mine - the theatre, I mean, not the smell."

Victoria Gulliver, "I don't trust this theatre business. It always leads to trouble. A Gaiety Girl was almost Anthony's mother. All in all, he nearly had six different mothers form six different theaters before he finally arrived."

Jessie Mathews is simply adorable in this delightful 1930s English B&W musical. Poor little Thames River barge girl dreams of fame and fortune on the London stage only to give it all up for true love... and a schooner. In addition to a lovely singing voice and exuberant tomboy personality, Jessie was an exceptionally gifted dancer. Paired perfectly with the American singer/dancer Jack Whiting, the couple do a number of eccentric syncopated numbers rather in the style of Fred and Ginger. There is a very British take on a wise-cracking and vulgar American press-agent, aptly named "Windy," wonderfully played by Noel Madison, the son of the great Yiddish actor Maurice Moscovitch. (Mr. Jaeckel, the barber's friend, in Chaplin's "The Great Dictator.") The film was written and directed by her husband and produced in lavish style at Pinewood Studios by England's David Selznick, Michael Balcon, who would go on to produce the famous Ealing Studios comedies.

Thanks to Robert Osborne and Turner Classic Movies for showcasing another wonderful performer who seems to be largely forgotten today. I thought I had a fair knowledge of movies, but I had never heard of Jessie Matthews until a recent showing of "Evergreen" on one of "Robert's Picks" nights. I read the description in the TCM guide and thought I would take a look, not expecting too much. After watching it, I wondered why I had never heard of this lovely and talented lady? I was captivated from her first scene and have eagerly awaited more ever since. This was the third movie I have seen with her, and I am a bigger fan than ever. She was a real charmer, and unlike most stars of the time, she wasn't afraid to look silly or unglamorous for a laugh. She appears in a plain or messy state in much of this movie, but comes off as appealing and lovely as any of the well-known stars of the 30's. It's our loss that she didn't make more movies, especially if it's true there were once plans to pair her with Fred Astaire. That would have been a wonderful combination.

God, how I wish this team had been doing the Astaire-Rogers movies in the same era. Wonderful, risque script and a gorgeously funny leading lady.

Depending on whose chronology you read, this film was the last of the six 1930s musical films made which starred Jessie Matthews (but not the last film she made). A vast improvement over her prior film, "Head Over Heels", and better than another prior film, "Gangway", this film is worth a look to those interested in Matthews's dancing. This film briefly shows Matthews toe-dancing ballet, proving once again that she was an all-around, well-trained dancer.

Although the score has no memorable "standard" songs, the tunes were typical of the 1930s melodies and lyrics. Since Matthews was reportedly a popular and prolific recording artist in England, it's no surprise that she is given songs to perform in addition to, and along with her dancing performances.

Matthews is paired with American actor, Jack Whiting, a proficient dancer and singer in his own right. He is certainly capable of keeping up with Matthews in three tap dancing duets. Whiting is given one solo song and dance number as well.

Also appearing is American actor, Noel Madison, a familiar face in 1930s films, mostly in gangster roles. Another familiar face is character actor, Roland Young, another English émigré to America.

This film shows a good representation of Matthews's dancing skills, and it's no wonder she was nicknamed "The Dancing Divinity". It's worthwhile viewing for those who are interested in her. I've now seen all six of Matthews's musicals, and this film is the second best for showcasing Matthews's dancing, in my opinion. It can be purchased on VHS.