8/10
Evelyn Dall Steals the Show in This Charming British Musical- Even for Americans
10 August 2016
If you are American as I am you may not care much for British musicals but this is one to try. It stars Arthur Askey, a diminutive Britisher who can sing a bit, dance a bit, play the piano and make lots of humorous quips. I know little about him but found him genial enough and rather amusing. The stronger reason to watch this film is EVELYN DALL. She was actually an American in real life who emigrated to England because her American career was going nowhere and a popular British bandleader named Ambrose saw her in a traveling American show in England and offered her the female singing job in his band. She stayed in England for the war years and became known as the "Bronx Bombshell" for her performances in skimpy costuming and her lovely features. She became enormously popular there as a vivacious singer and comedienne and this film shows you why. She seems willing to try anything-- check out her hilarious jitterbug dance near the film's end as well as her impression of Groucho Marx. Her acting is exemplary as she listens and reacts so convincingly to the other principals. There is also a sense of genuine friendship and respect among the principals of this film that is contagious. Their scenes are well rehearsed and their personal chemistry, especially that of Arthur and Evelyn is palpable. In his autobiography Arthur Askey expressed his great fondness for her. So for you Americans here is a British World War II musical to try and perhaps Evelyn's most fun film. I will likely rank this higher than you might but I still think it's a charming, cute wartime effort that you are likely to enjoy.
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