For once, Michael Wilding has a role that he is able to do something with. In this movie, it's an impersonation and Wilding plays the role not only lightly and gaily but with a real flair for light comedy. In fact, everything about this movie is better than we expect. For once, Nicholas Phipps has written a script that has some witty lines and amusing characters. In fact, he himself appears in the movie as the aptly named Marquis of Borechester. It's also pleasing to report that Herbert Wilcox has directed with an agreeably light touch instead of his usual, heavily plodding style. Unfortunately, none of the afore mentioned keep their endeavors above water right to the very end. The last ten minutes of the movie when the absurdly melodramatic plot elements regain control, are a bit sticky. Wilcox also allows a few moments of tedium to creep in here and there – particularly in an undistinguished, time-wasting dream sequence – but by and large, except for its final ten minutes, this is a surprisingly entertaining movie. Anna Neagle looks as beautiful and radiant as ever. As dressed by Kitty Foster, her costumes are attractive too. And although he makes a late entrance, Tom Walls makes up for the delay with his delightful character study, well served by Phipps' script with its astringent lines. Peter Graves is also rather jolly as an egotistical movie star, while G.H. Mulcaster, Josephine Fitzgerald and Lana Morris contribute some amusing insights into servants' hall. Well down the cast list, Nigel Patrick has a small role as Bacon, the con man, and right after Patrick's credit, we find the lovely Lana Morris as Rosie. Almost needless to say, production values are first class, the sets designed by W.C. Andrews are pleasing, and there is a pleasant music score by Manning Sherwin, Robert Farnon and others, directed by Mr. Farnon.
Review of Spring in Park Lane
Spring in Park Lane
(1948)
Judged by the number of tickets sold, the 5th most popular movie ever released in Great Britain!
28 September 2014
Warning: Spoilers