1940 British Comedy Film

[CowgirlPoet]

Hello everyone!

I am putting the finishing touches on a novel centered in London during the Blitz. At one point I have some characters go to the cinema and see a film, preferably a comedy with no relation to the war. I'd like it to be a British-made film, but American would be fine if it's pre-1939.

Does anyone have any suggestions?

Thanks ever so much!

[alleycat]

Pygmalion with Leslie Howard came out in 1938.

There's also Bringing Up Baby, Where's the Fire?, and A Yank at Oxford, among others.

[alleycat]

You might also want to take a look at this list:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cinema_of_the_United_Kingdom

Click on the years on the right side of the webpage to see the major films for any particular year.

[pdr]

to be patriotic Laurence Olivier's Henry V was made as part of the War Effort and everyone rushed to see it and rave over it. I still think it's the best Hal V ever!

[PastMidnight]

I found a number of cinema references in my own research on the early war, of people being in the cinema when air raid sirens went off, etc. I found it odd that all the films mentioned were American westerns. At least that's what they were watching up in Edinburgh. I went with Stagecoach and Jesse James, just because I know they were showing at local cinemas during the air attacks I have in my chapter.

[som1luvsmi]

Here are some films that came out in 1938-39:

The Adventures of Robin Hood (w/Errol Flynn)*

Bringing Up Baby (w/ Kathrine Hepburn & Cary Grant)**

Holiday (w/ Katherine Hepburn & Cary Grant)**

Jezebel (w/ Bette Davis)

You Can't Take It With You (w/ Jean Arthur & James Stewart)**

Dark Victory (w/ Bette Davis)*

The Four Feathers (w/John Clements)*

Gone With the Wind (w/ Vivian Leigh & Clark Gable)*

Love Affair (w/ Irene Dunn & Charles Boyer)* (this was later remade as An Affair to Remember.)

Ninotchka (w/ Greta Garbo)*

The Wizard of Oz (w/ Judy Garland)*

Wuthering Heights (w/ Merle Oberon & Laurence Olivier)


*ones I've seen and loved.
**my favorites. :)

[firedrake]

Hi, welcome. :D

I found this web site invaluable when I was writing my WW2 novel

http://www.ne-diary.bpears.org.uk/Bck/Popular.html

It lists top ten films, songs, etc for every year of the war, as well as prices of things.

Be warned: It's an addictive site.

[Captain Scarf]

There was no such thing as comedy in 1940. Comedy was invented in the 1950s by Spike Milligan.


But seriously, You should investigate George Formby films. He was a musician but he also made films before and during the war. He was very popular.

Also, during air raids, in case people couldn't hear the siren, cinemas used to put a notice up on the screen.

[firedrake]

There was no such thing as comedy in 1940. Comedy was invented in the 1950s by Spike Milligan.


But seriously, You should investigate George Formby films. He was a musician but he also made films before and during the war. He was very popular.

Also, during air raids, in case people couldn't hear the siren, cinemas used to put a notice up on the screen.

Ever since I saw this thread, I've been racking my brains trying to remember. I kept thinking of Arthur Askey, but yes, George Formby singing ..."When I'm cleaning windows." My favorite. Love it.

[waylander]

'Oh Mr Porter' (1937)
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0029335/

[Captain Scarf]

Even if you don't use Oh Mr Porter! make sure you watch it. Well worth it just for the Napoleon joke.

[pdr]

Thank you, Waylander.

I remember the film but not its title. I just had a bit of the plot in my head. Now I can get a copy and see if it was as funny as I remember.

[CowgirlPoet]

Wow this is great!! I didn't know Bringing Up Baby was made in 1938! I love that movie! That's definitely the one I'll use.

Thanks so much!

[alleycat]

In case you're not aware of it, the IMDb is a good place to get the basic details of any movie. Here's a link: http://www.imdb.com/

[CowgirlPoet]

Actually, I was aware of that, but thank you very much for the hint! :)