Sailing Along (1938)

Director:

Sonnie Hale

Writers:

Sonnie Hale (writer)
Selwyn Jepson (writer)

Release Date:

15 April 1938 (USA)

Genre:

Comedy | Musical | Romance

Plot Keywords:

Press Agent | Dance Number | Boy Meets Girl | Rich Snob | Audition

Cast

Jessie Matthews	...	Kay Martin
Barry MacKay	...	Steve Barnes
Jack Whiting	...	Dicky Randall
Roland Young	...	Anthony Gulliver
Noel Madison	...	Windy
Frank Pettingell	...	Skipper Barnes
Alastair Sim	...	Sylvester
Athene Seyler	...	Victoria Gulliver
Margaret Vyner	...	Stephanie
William Dewhurst	...	Winton
Peggy Novak	...	Jill

Runtime:

80 min | UK:97 min

Country:

UK

Language:

English

Color:

Black and White

Aspect Ratio:

1.37 : 1

Sound Mix:

Mono

Certification:

UK:U

Filming Locations:

Pinewood Studios, Iver Heath, Buckinghamshire, England, UK

Company:

Gaumont British Picture Corporation

Trivia:

Of Jessie Matthews in this film: Roger Phillip Mellor, in the Encyclopedia of British Cinema, notes " ...the image of her in Sailing Along (d. Hale, 1938), in a white evening gown, with a gentleman's black top hat and walking cane, performing Souvenir of Love in Lime Grove's art deco luxury sets, indelibly incarnates 1930s style."

Movie Connections:

Features First a Girl (1935)

Soundtrack:

Your Heart Skips a Beat

Matthews's Film Musicals End on a High Note

Depending on whose chronology you read, this film was the last of the six 1930s musical films made which starred Jessie Matthews (but not the last film she made). A vast improvement over her prior film, "Head Over Heels", and better than another prior film, "Gangway", this film is worth a look to those interested in Matthews's dancing. This film briefly shows Matthews toe-dancing ballet, proving once again that she was an all-around, well-trained dancer.

Although the score has no memorable "standard" songs, the tunes were typical of the 1930s melodies and lyrics. Since Matthews was reportedly a popular and prolific recording artist in England, it's no surprise that she is given songs to perform in addition to, and along with her dancing performances.

Matthews is paired with American actor, Jack Whiting, a proficient dancer and singer in his own right. He is certainly capable of keeping up with Matthews in three tap dancing duets. Whiting is given one solo song and dance number as well.

Also appearing is American actor, Noel Madison, a familiar face in 1930s films, mostly in gangster roles. Another familiar face is character actor, Roland Young, another English émigré to America.

This film shows a good representation of Matthews's dancing skills, and it's no wonder she was nicknamed "The Dancing Divinity". It's worthwhile viewing for those who are interested in her. I've now seen all six of Matthews's musicals, and this film is the second best for showcasing Matthews's dancing, in my opinion. It can be purchased on VHS.