The Titfield Thunderbolt
Dir: Charles Crichton
1953
****
There is nothing quite like a good Ealing comedy and The Titfield Thunderbolt is one of the best of the later ones released. Yet again, the humour and social commentary is sublime. The story is quite simple, uplifting and ridiculous but also quite ingenious. It's got plenty of that spirit of '45 that Great Britain has forgotten and is riddled with much loved characters who are sadly long gone. The cast is a sturdy mix of comedy legends, hard to say who steals the show but if I had to choice it would be Stanley Holloway's capitalist dandy, on hand and half cut. A great example of a short but golden age of great British comedy.
Barnacle Bill (AKA All At Sea)
Dir: Charles Frend
1957
*****
A long forgotten but absolutely brilliant comedy starring Alec Guinness (his last Ealing Comedy) as a Sea Captain from a long line of Seamen who suffers from sea-sickness. The story is about how he buys a derelict seaside pier and runs it like a ship with some funny results. It's not just a silly comedy though, it's very clever and with it's portrayal of a sleepy run-down seaside resort, crumbling pier and greedy council, it's also very British. Brilliant stuff!
The Man in the White Suit
Dir: Alexander Mackendrick
1951
****
Alexander Mackendrick's The Man in the White Suit is classic Ealing comedy and so much more. I'm a huge fan of the studios comedy spree that lasted for 17 films (The Man in the White Suit being number 9) made between 1947 and 1957. All of the comedies are inventive in their own unique way but only The Man in the White Suit deals with political similarities. Passport to Pimlico dealt with politics but mainly highlighted differences, here they explore similarities between Big enterprise and trade unions and how both can quash development for their own gain. Doesn't sound like much of a comedy but I assure you it is. Alec Guinness typically plays it straight to great effect but is supported by a great list of actors who exaggerate each performance perfectly. It's quite a revealing subject considering the time it was made, post-war Britain was on the up but this film really was ahead of its time.
Passport To Pimlico
Dir: Henry Cornelius
1949
****
Passport to Pimlico is classic Ealing Comedy. It was one of the first so it may be a little rough round the edges compared to the films that came after but the cast is brilliant; Stanley Holloway, Hermione Baddeley, Margaret Rutherford, Michael Hordern, Harry Locke and a rather young Charles Hawtrey to name a few. The best of British comedy (and Hammer Horror come to think of it). The story still stands today though, it's particularly clever, very witty and thoroughly British. I love it. The best line of the Film: "We always were English, and we'll always be English, and it's just because we are English that we're sticking up for our rights to be Burgundians!"
The Lavender Hill Mob
Dir: Charles Crichton
1951
*****
The Lavender Hill Mob is an Ealing classic. Alec Guinness, Stanley Holloway, Sidney James and Alfie Bass are the perfect quartet in this very well written and hugely lovable crime caper. The script is very clever and the dialogue is sharp and brilliantly delivered. It is one of the few exceptions that really has stood the test of time. I just really wish it didn't end the way it does!
The Maggie (aka High & Dry)
Dir: Alexander Mackendrick
1954
****
The Maggie or 'High and Dry' as it's also known as, is one of the later and lesser known Ealing Comedies. It's a simple premise but full of as much charm as you can get in a comedy. The Maggie's rag-tag crew are what makes the film, no less so than the Skipper played perfectly by Alex Mackenzie. Director Alexander Mackendrick is remembered for many of his other, more successful films such as The Man in the White Suit, The Ladykillers and Sweet Smell of Success but The Maggie is his greatest achievement when it comes to timing, pace and editing in my opinion. Nothing is rushed and everything is subtle, the action happens five seconds after you expect, adding to the overall charm and comedy of the story. An unappreciated gem.
Hue and Cry
Dir: Charles Crichton
1947
****
Hue & Cry is much like the adventure books for boys that were popular at the time, with a part Enid Blyton and part comic book (obviously) post war theme. I have many older relatives who say that post war London was great fun and many adventures were had in old bombed out building. This film captures that very well but also appeals to the older viewer thanks to Alastair Sim's character/performance. It's an Ealing comedy but apart from Sim's performance, it's pretty serious and is a rather compelling thriller/mystery/espionage film. Directed by the often overlooked and under-appreciated Charles Crichton whose TV and film work I can't recommend enough.
Whiskey Galore
Dir: Alexander Mackendrick
1949
****
When ever I think about Whisky Galore I can't help but remember the very funny spoof sketch from the very funny Comedy sketch show, The Fast Show. Instead of Whisky, the sketch shows the locals enjoying tons of cocaine that are washed up in a shipwreck. It's all very funny. Thanks probably because the original film is funny, thus deserving a affectionate spoof. It's a bit of a British classic but I'm not too sure it's traveled much which is a shame. It's a very sweet, funny and charming film full of great characters and warm laughs. To be enjoyed with a glass of single malt for sure.
Kind Hearts and Coronets
Dir: Robert Hamer
1949
*****
In my opinion Ealing Comedies really took off after the release of Kind Hearts and Coronets. Dennis Price's narration is enough to suck you in from the start, his voice being perfectly pitched and hypnotic. His performance is brilliant although it is Alec Guinness's eight performances that the film is most remembered for, each one being as equally good. Robert Hamer had a short career due to dying relatively young, his films have really stood the test of time but are to this day sadly forgotten. Rectify this people! Kind Hearts and Coronets being the perfect starting point.
