6.9/10
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The Girl of the Canal (1945)

Painted Boats (original title)
Approved | | Drama | 6 October 1947 (USA)
The Girl of the Canal Poster
Drama following the lives of two families living on the colourfully painted canal boats of Britain.

Director:

Charles Crichton

Writers:

Stephen Black (written for the screen by), Louis MacNeice (commentary by) (as Louis Macneice) | 1 more credit »

Stars:

Jenny Laird, Bill Blewitt, May Hallatt | See full cast & crew »
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Cast

Complete credited cast:
Jenny Laird ... Mary Smith
Bill Blewitt Bill Blewitt ... Her Father
May Hallatt ... Her Mother
Robert Griffiths Robert Griffiths ... Ted Stoner (as Robert Griffith)
Madoline Thomas Madoline Thomas ... His Mother
Grace Arnold ... His Sister
Harry Fowler ... His Brother Alf
Megs Jenkins ... Barmaid
John Owers John Owers ... Bill
James McKechnie James McKechnie ... Commentator
See full cast »
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Storyline

Drama following the lives of two families living on the colourfully painted canal boats of Britain.

Plot Summary | Add Synopsis

Plot Keywords:

canal | See All (1) »

Taglines:

A new screen star in a romance of the canals

Genres:

Drama

Certificate:

Approved | See all certifications »

Parents Guide:

Add content advisory for parents »
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Details

Country:

UK

Language:

English

Release Date:

6 October 1947 (USA) See more »

Also Known As:

The Girl of the Canal See more »

Filming Locations:

Ealing Studios, Ealing, London, England, UK See more »

Company Credits

Production Co:

Ealing Studios See more »
Show more on IMDbPro »

Technical Specs

Runtime:

Sound Mix:

Mono (RCA)

Color:

Black and White

Aspect Ratio:

1.37 : 1
See full technical specs »
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Did You Know?

Trivia

This film's premiere in USA occurred Saturday 12 January 1946 on New York City's pioneer television station WNBT (Channel 1). See more »

Crazy Credits

Opening credits prologue: During the making of this picture we received generous help from canal workers of every kind. We wish to thank them warmly. See more »

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User Reviews

 
vivid footage that I have never seen before
12 January 2010 | by christopher-underwood – See all my reviews

The brief notes on the DVD sleeve include the word, 'charming' twice and whilst this is appropriate the film is much more. Indeed the 'charming' storyline can be ignored and the beautifully shot film enjoyed as a documentary, albeit with more than a little of the propaganda feel to it. Cinematography is by Douglas Slocombe and most effective with great use made of the lyrical landscapes and cloud peppered skies. Curious time for film-making, during the War and this must have been intended as a morale boost as much as anything. Amazing shots of the canals, including vivid footage that I have never seen before. I'm astonished that this historic document has been so ignored for so long and for anyone interested in a glimpse at what life on the canals was like in the mid 40s, this is invaluable.
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