I like musicals, and so when I saw a trailer for a 1965 film about London and especially Bermondsey, I was hooked and sent off for the DVD.
For what ever reasons I never saw the film at the time, which might be because it never quite made it to the Well Hall Odeon or the ABC in the High Street
But more probably because back then I didn’t fancy watching Joe Brown, Una Stubbs, Sophie Hardy and Sid James, sing and dance their way around London to an implausible plot, which involved them trying to steal, a bowler hat, Guardsman’s bearskin, and a police helmet.*
But fifty-five years on, having exchanged south east London for Manchester I decided it was worth the £6.
Well I rather think the jury is out on value for money.
I have lots of time for Joe Brown, Sid James and Una Stubbs, all of whom are superb in their own fields, added to which, the support cast were good, and the backdrops were of a London, long gone.
As for the film, its plot and the quality of the songs, I rather think the writers and producer might have been better employed staying at home.
But a bit of me always wants to be generous to anyone who creates something, and it is easy to be critical.
So, forget the story line, along with the songs and some dodgy acting, and instead focus on the bigger canvas, which is that London I grew up with and fondly remember.
The River is still flanked by a forest of cranes, the skyline has yet to be dwarfed by tall nondescript buildings, and there is a mix of touristy London with the sort of places I grew up in.
All of which makes it a piece of history well worth watching, not only for the sights but also for a type of “kids” musical where a group of working-class youngsters make fun and come out OK.
Not that I can empathise with the last bit. I certainly had fun, but my growing up was more mundane, and ordinary.
Added to which I rather think that Cliff Richard did that style of movie a bit better.
Still, the notes on the back under special features holds out the promise of something good from the image gallery.
We shall see.
Location; London, 1964-5
Picture; The River as I remember it, 1968, and Looking out from Occupation Lane, 2019 from the collection of John King
*Three hats for Lisa, 1965
 |
| My River, 1968 |
But more probably because back then I didn’t fancy watching Joe Brown, Una Stubbs, Sophie Hardy and Sid James, sing and dance their way around London to an implausible plot, which involved them trying to steal, a bowler hat, Guardsman’s bearskin, and a police helmet.*
But fifty-five years on, having exchanged south east London for Manchester I decided it was worth the £6.
Well I rather think the jury is out on value for money.
I have lots of time for Joe Brown, Sid James and Una Stubbs, all of whom are superb in their own fields, added to which, the support cast were good, and the backdrops were of a London, long gone.
As for the film, its plot and the quality of the songs, I rather think the writers and producer might have been better employed staying at home.
But a bit of me always wants to be generous to anyone who creates something, and it is easy to be critical.
 |
| Looking out from Occupation Lane, 2019 |
The River is still flanked by a forest of cranes, the skyline has yet to be dwarfed by tall nondescript buildings, and there is a mix of touristy London with the sort of places I grew up in.
All of which makes it a piece of history well worth watching, not only for the sights but also for a type of “kids” musical where a group of working-class youngsters make fun and come out OK.
Not that I can empathise with the last bit. I certainly had fun, but my growing up was more mundane, and ordinary.
Added to which I rather think that Cliff Richard did that style of movie a bit better.
Still, the notes on the back under special features holds out the promise of something good from the image gallery.
We shall see.
Location; London, 1964-5
Picture; The River as I remember it, 1968, and Looking out from Occupation Lane, 2019 from the collection of John King
*Three hats for Lisa, 1965
No comments:
Post a Comment