Change Your Image
Mark Whiston
Reviews
Hinge and Bracket (1978)
Dear Ladies - at last!
Great to see this popular series out on DVD at last. After a successful career on radio the Stackton Tressel duo can be seen in their own environment plus some of the characters that coloured their lives as well. Due to excellent sales of this first series, I understand that the second series will be available in September. The double entendres may not be to everyone's taste, but just enjoy the silliness of the situations and you will be hooked. I was fortunate to see their stage act several times - which was somewhat more risqué - and the release of their television series is a great reminder of their consummate professionalism. Their 'Gala Evenings' (which were also televised), are now available on DVD.
Aunt Clara (1954)
Perfectly Cast
This was Margaret Rutherford's favourite film and it's not difficult to see why as she is given full reign to her comic abilities. She is charming throughout and works well particularly in scenes with Ronald Shiner. She plays 'Clara' a middle - aged spinster who is left the task to clean up the acts of several members of her family who are engaged in rather unsavoury practices when her elderly uncle dies. As an angel of mercy, she visits each of her relatives in turn showing them the errors of their ways with hilarious results. Her last visit takes her to Fay Compton who employs a rather dilapidated brothel which includes a group of dishevelled ladies who work there. This scene is particularly moving and full of pathos. Unfortunately this film is rarely shown on British television - a great loss.
Blithe Spirit (1945)
Outstanding Performances left for Posterity
Noel Coward wrote this play whilst holidaying in Wales with Joyce Carey. Originally produced in 1941 at London's Piccadilly Theatre this screenplay follows closely the original dialogue and both Margaret Rutherford and Kay Hammond reprise their West-End roles. N.B. Rex Harrison never played Charles Condomine on stage and was criticised severely by Noel Coward for not having the required comic timing and being too 'straight'. However, the feeling of the original play comes over well, although the main change happens at the end where Charles also dies to join his wives. Margaret Rutherford is the real star here putting in a performance which was completely overlooked at the 'Oscars' which in those days American actors were normally the nominees. The role of Madame Arcati made her a star and 'Blithe Spirit' is now engraved on her tombstone. A fitting tribute to one of Britain's greatest comediennes.
The Happiest Days of Your Life (1950)
Margaret Rutherford at her Best!
After a long run in the West End this charming film re-cast Margaret Rutherford as the Headmistress 'Miss Whitchurch' in this financially successful adaptation made in 1950.
All interior shots took place at Riverside studios in Hammersmith, London. The exterior scenes were filmed on location at a public girl's school near Liss in Hampshire. During the 12 - week shoot both Margaret Rutherford and Joyce Grenfell were staying in a hotel nearby and would often visit the school during the evenings where they would happily enjoy the company of the real school mistresses.
Although the film's script contains only two original lines from the original play the leads and supporting actors are in fine form and you can only feel sympathetic for their predicament especially in the final scenes.