Oliver Double

I'm doing some research on British variety theatre, and I wonder if anyone knows of any good, available British films which feature variety acts? I already have a few: Stars on Parade, Variety Jubilee, Elstree Calling, and Radio Parade of 1935. I'm particularly interested in films with footage of Wilson, Keppel and Betty, Teddy Brown and Harry Roy's big band.

suzepulcheria

Will Hay's "Those Were the Days" (Based on Pinero's "the Magistrate"). Half of it takes place in the Music Hall, with lots of acts. Perhaps a little earlier in style than you want though.

"I've come a long way you know!" "Equally long way to go back..."

MrT

Harry Roy's 1936 film "Everything is Rhythm" should be quite easy to track down - it was released on VHS by DD Video and has also been shown on C4. Other films with variety stars in the cast include "The Dummy Talks" (1943) and "Say it with flowers" (1934) - although this film like "Those were the days" features music hall stars from a slightly earlier era.

Mike (MrT)

kelp

Contact The Music Hall Society, they also handle Variety info.

BE CAREFUL WHAT YOU WISH FOR...YOU MAY GET IT!

Oliver Double

This is terrific, thanks. While I'm about it, does anyone know of any current commercial DVD releases with the complete film of Little Tich doing his big boot dance? I've found edited versions (e.g. on the Music Hall days DVD, published by Green Umbrella), and a complete version on, of all places, a massive DVD box set of Charlie Chaplin issued in Spain (which would be a pricey way of getting hold of 3 minutes of film). Any ideas?

CaptainWaggett

This video has quite a lot of 1940s variety artistes on it including Wilson Keppel and Betty

Oliver Double

Yes, that is a brilliant video. Wish they'd issue it on DVD!

Edward G

Oliver,
The complete version of the unbelieveable and brilliant "Big Boot Dance" by Little Tich was shown on an episode of "The Amazing Years Of Cinema ; an ITV history series about silent cinema back in the 1980's. I have a copy of this on betamax but it is extremely jerky. I will see if I can doctor it. Sadly, this excellent series, hosted by Doug Fairbanks Jr, was never released on VHS or DVD.
Does anyone else know of a source for this series?

I'm as mad as hell and I'm not gonna take it anymore!

DB7

That was the first that sprung to my mind. In a similar vein is Murder at the Windmill.

Oliver Double

Murder at the Windmill sounds intriguing! Presumably it's set in the Windmill Theatre (of 'We Never Closed' fame)?

DB7

Yep, basically Garry Marsh sits in the stalls beckoning each act in turn. I'm sure they're genuine vaudeville acts but whether they're 'famous' I've no idea.

alan french

Hi
Murder at the Windmill also features a vintage performance by Jon Pertwee as a detective. Many years prior to his Doctor Who. The plot is quite simple, a man has been found murdered and in order to established what happened, the current cast at the theatre have to perform their act and are quizzed by Scotland Yard. I can't remember every body but it does feature genuine acts such as popular comedian in his day, Jimmy Edwards. And of course The Windmill Girls. Who had to keep still. If they moved, the show would be considered obscene and illegal. My! How times have changed!

Little Tich's dance was also featured in a TV series called Turns. It was hosted by Jimmy Perry and was presented by the BBC. I believe it may have also possibly been in another BBC documentary hosted by Paul Merton about the London Palladium.

There is also a very good documentary Marks and Spencers sold on video hosted by Lional Blair. I do not know if it is on DVD, but it also goes into the subject of music hall and features numerous artistes.

I do not know if this helps or hinders.

Alan French.

Oliver Double

Thanks Alan, it definitely helps rather than hinders.

The Lionel Blair video IS on DVD; it's called Music Hall Days. It has some of the Tich footage, but sadly an edited version.

And thanks to the others for the stuff on the Windmill flick. It sounds ace!

alan french

Hi.
Glad to be of help than hinder..
Alan French.

billy.batson

Wilson, Keppel and Betty appear in SOFT LIGHTS AND SWEET MUSIC, a British Lion release from 1937. I have a 35mm print of this film in my collection.