'Professor' Fortescue (Ronald Shiner) is a fake 'Professor' trying unsuccessfully to sell his system for picking racehorse winners. When by chance, he succeeds he is chased by the local bookmakers. Attempting to escape, Fortescue stumbles into Bagshot Boys College and despite his lack of formal education, accepts the role of Professor of an unruly bunch of boys. When the boys cheat in an exam and win a trip to Paris Fortescue has to maintain control as they all head to France. His task becomes more difficult when the brother of one of the boys joins the trip to steal the famous Marie Antoinette necklace, and the trip quickly descends into hilarious chaos.
In London seeking employment, Eileen (René Ray) gets framed for knifing a man who got on the bad side of a gang of crooks. Escaping capture, Eileen feverishly hunts for the victim's brother, to whom she must deliver an important message.
Continuing the BFI's exploration of Britain on Film, this fascinating collection brings together a selection of public information films, propaganda shorts and adverts from the Second World War, drawn from the BFI National Archive, all of which give essential advice to a nation living in an age of austerity. Amongst the handy hints and tips, we learn how to support the war effort from home by rationing, staying healthy, growing vegetables, cooking and salvaging. Also includes an illustrated booklet with essays, film notes and full film credits.
Cookery Tips
- Cookery Hints: Oatmeal Porridge
- When the Pie was Opened
- Mrs. T and her Cabbage Patch
- Two Cooks and a Cabbage
- Tea Making Tips
- Food Flash: Milk, Fish and Potatoes
Save Your Shillings and Smile
- Did You Ever See a Dream Talking
- Keep Them Safe Keep Them Happy
- Bob-in the Pound
- Save Your Shillings and Smile
- Get Cracking
- Food Flash: Bread and Dough
Make Do and Mend
- Salvage with a Smile
- Wisdom of the Wild
- Sabotage!
- Mrs Mopp Entertains
- Wicked Witch
- Dustbin Parade
- Little Annie's Rag Book
- Little Miss Muddlehead
- Food Flash: Ration Books
Fighting Fit
- Fitness Wins: 4 and 20 Fit Girls
- A-Tish-oo!
- ABCD of Health
- Round Figures
- Food Flash: Eggs, Cocoa and Cod Liver Oil
Dig for Victory
- The Backyard Front
- Bampton Shows The Way
- Food Flash: Canteens and Rats
29 Acacia Avenue (1945)
The Robinsons (Gordon Marker and Betty Balfour) are two respectable middle class parents living with their children in a suburban house in Acacia Avenue. Preferring to holiday every year in Bognor they are pressed into booking a cruise for their annual vacation and thereby leaving their teenage children (Jimmy Hanley and Carla Lehmann) the free run of their house. As the youngsters enjoy their newfound freedom and discover the angst of teenage life, Mr and Mrs Robinson begin to have second thoughts about their cruise and decide to return home early...
Operation Cupid (1960)
When three bumbling conmen win a dating agency in a rigged card game they think their luck has finally changed. When they take charge of the business though, they discover that the con is on them and that the agency is in debt, the furnishings are all on credit and the staff" haven't been paid! Salvation appears in the form of a millionaires client who is searching for a suitable husband and one of the conmen pretends to also be a millionaire. But who is conning who?
Come Back Peter (1952)
A charming comedy, directed by Charles Saunders starring Patrick Holt, Peter Hammond, Humphrey Lestocq, Kathleen Boutall and Charles Lamb. Pandemonium is created in a small country house when various relatives come to stay.
Boys will be Girls (1937)
Filmed at Elstree, this British comedy tells the story of a man who has to give up drinking, smoking and wild women in order to inherit a legacy. Directed by Gilbert Pratt, it stars Leslie Fuller with Nellie Wallace, Greta Gynt Georgie Harris, Judy Kelly, D.J. Williams,Toni Edgar-Bruce, Constance Godridge, Syd Crossley and Syd Courtenay.
A Hole Lot of Trouble (1969)
The efforts of a group of workmen trying to dig a hole forms the basis for this delightful comedy, with a classic British cast. Directed by Francis A Searle, the film stars Arthur Lowe,Victor Maddern, Bill Maynard and Tim Barrett Also features: Ken Parry, Leslie Dwyer, Benny Lee, Brian Weske, Neal Arden, Hani Borelle, Hazel Coppen and Geraldine Gardner.
A Night of Magic (1944)
This previously lost British musical comedy was directed by Herbert Wynne and stars Robert Griffith, Gerald Pring, Billy'Uke' Scott, Marian Olive and Elsa Tee. A man discovers an ancient Egyptian princess alive inside a sarcophagus, and the pair enjoy an unforgettable night of romance and adventure, including chorus girls and music.
A Touch of The Sun (1956)
In swanky London hotel the Royal Connaught, if you need anything, just ask for'Mr Fix-it', aka Mr Darling, a hotel porter who has come into an inheritance! Made at Nettlefold studios, this British comedy was directed by Gordon Parry and stars Frankie Howerd, Ruby Murray, Alfie Bass and Dennis Price.
Under A Cloud (1937)
Directed by George King, this British comedy tells the story of a man who returns from Australia after 20 years on the run and tries to reconcile with his estranged family. His wife is now well-to-do through inheritance, and has painted a completely different picture of him to their children. Starring Edward Rigby and Betty Ann Davies.
Just William's Luck (1948)
This once lost British comedy was directed byVal Guest and stars: William Graham, Garry Marsh and Jane Welsh. It is based on the popular books written by Richmal Compton, who was so impressed by it that she then wrote a novel based on the film.
It's a Wonderful World (1956)
This musical comedy was written and directed by Val Guest. It stars Terence Morgan, George Cole, Kathleen Harrison and Mylene Demongeot in her first English-language film.Two struggling composers hit on a novel way of producing music backwards! Songs include- Rosanne, When You Came Along, Girls! Girls! Girls! (Ted Heath, Moira Heath), A Few Kisses Ago (Robert Farnon.Val Guest).Also features: Dennis Lotis, James Hayter, Harold Lang, Maurice Kaufmann, Richard Wattis, Charles Clay, Derek Blomfield, Sam Kydd, Shirley Anne Field and Jon Pertwee.
Pick a Star AKA Movie Struck (1937) This American musical comedy film stars Rosina Lawrence, lack Haley, Patsy Kelly and Mischa Auer.Telling the story of a girl who comes to Hollywood and becomes a big star, it was directed by Edward Sedgwick and produced by Hal Roach. Best known for scenes featuring'Laurel and Hardy, the film was reissued as Movie Struck by Astor Pictures in 1954.
Where There's A Will (1955) Directed by Vernon Sewell and starring George Cole, Leslie Dwyer and Kathleen Harrison. In this endearing comedy, a cockney family inherit a ramshackle farm and decide to make a go of it Also features:Ann Hanslip, Michael Shepley, Dandy Nichols,Thelma Ruby, Norman MacOwan, Hugh Morton, Edward Lexy, Edward Woodward, Philip Ray, Sam Kydd and Bill Shine.
A family reduced to imminent poverty by the father's disinclination to work; an American lawyer looking for the heir to half a million pounds; the scene is set for a hilarious tale of creative deception from director John Paddy Carstairs!
All in Good Fun (1955)
Comedy Compilation of film comedy from its earliest days to the golden age of slapstick. Includes Max Linder, Tontolini,John Bunny, Ford Sterling Marie Dressier, Fred Mace, Keystone Cops, Mack Sennett and Chaplin. Introduced by Bob Monkhouse.
Inn for Trouble (1960)
Peggy Mount and David Kossoff star as Ada and Alf Larkin in this big screen version of the hugely popular 1950's TV comedy he Larkins'.
Dentist in the Chair (1960)
Student David makes a big mistake of falling in love with the Dean's niece Peggy and he may have just made Britain's 'Most Wanted' list too, by getting accidentally involved with stolen goods from a bungling crook!
Two on the Tiles (1951)
A married couple both face temptations while separated for a few days.The husband meets an attractive female fellow traveler in Paris while the wife accidentally spends a night aboard a Royal Navy ship with a male friend after she is stranded following a party.
And the Same to You (1960)
British comic farce featuring performances by Sid James and Tommy Cooper. Brian Rix plays Dickie Dreadnought, the boxing-mad nephew of pious clergyman Reverend Sydney Mullet (Leo Franklyn). Dickie embarks on an elaborate plan to keep his budding boxing career a secret.
Carry On Admiral (The Ship Was Loaded) (1957)
After a hard night's drinking, the Assistant to the First Sea Lord and a new ship's captain accidentally swap clothes and are mistaken for one another! Now the Captain must help handle the reorganising of the entire navy while the hapless assistant must run a fully armed warship.
Crazy Days (1962)
Made in 1962, Scenes from the silent era greats. Including Buster Keaton and Charlie Chaplin plus many more.
Demobbed (1944)
Demobbed from the army Nat, Norman and Dan get new jobs, solve a crime and stage a concert party.
Lifetime of Comedy (1960)
Compilation of comedy sketches from the comedy kings Buster Keaton, Charlie Chaplin, Harold Lloyd, Danny Kaye and Bing Crosby.
Tell Me Another (1976)
Filmed with Dick Hills with a live studio audience. A Comedy Compilation of stories from Norman Wisdom, Arthur Askeyjim Dale, Jimmy Jewel, Ted Ray, Roy Hudd, Spike Milligan, Reg Varney, Leslie Phillips, Terry Scott, Thora Hird, Warren Mitchell and Peggy Mount.
The Silent Comics
A short documentary reflecting on the timeless works of silent comics Buster Kantan Harold Llovd and Ben Turbin.
Leaving a notorious trail of arson behind them, the St. Trinian's schoolgirls are always on the move. Their headmistress is more than 'just friends' with the Minister of School. Armed with a government grant, she re-houses her girls in yet another home - Halimgwell Grange. What she doesn't know is that the Great Train Robbers have got there before her. And left £2.5 million hidden under the ballroom stage...
Hylda Baker stars in this 1962 Eternal Films comedy. She plays the matriarchal mother of a working class family. She and her husband (Cyril Smith) have a bright but dull son. The Smallhopes a "middle class" family led by Joan Sanderson, have an attractive daughter, but things go astray -as they usually do in this situation. The film is set in the fifties with its coffee bars and earnest pop singers. Enjoy the class wars, a good slice of Britain in that era and Hylda strutting her stuff!
As the subject of a This Is Your Life-style television show, eminent aviation scientist Sir Ernest Pease (James Robertson Justice) revisits his wartime experience on a secret reconnaissance mission which ended abruptly when the bomber he was testing was downed over Germany. Captured and held in a prisoner of war camp, Pease found himself among a motley, relentlessly optimistic group of RAF officers - who were tireless in helping their brilliant but ill-tempered fellow prisoner carry out his audacious escape plan!
The Renown Comedy Collection: Vol.2 (1960)Liz Fraser: Her Life in Comedy / Make Mine a Double / The Case of the Mukkinese Battle-Horn / What a Whopper / The Butler's Dilemma / Gert and Daisy Clean Up / Tons of Trouble / Comedy Cocktail / Gert
Over 10 hours of vintage comedy in a fabulous set. Six features plus bonus interview with Liz Fraser and a short comedy bonus.
Liz Fraser: Her Life in Comedy
The iconic British star Liz Fraser discusses her life in film with comedy historian Robert Ross in this exclusive, open and frank interview. Liz then introduces the film 'The Night We Dropped a Clanger'.
The Night We Dropped a Clanger (1959)
A British intelligence agent (Brian Rix) and a look-alike airman confuse Germans while investigating buzz bombs in World War II France.
The Case of the Mukkinese Battle-Horn (1956)
Inspector Quilt of Scotland Yard attempts to retrieve a 'Mukkinese Battle-horn' stolen from a London museum. Along the way he meets characters not dissimilar to Eccles, Henry Crun and Minnie Bannister from 'The Goon Show'.
What a Whopper (1960)
Adam Faith stars in this tale about a struggling writer who fakes photographs of the Loch Ness monster.
The Butler's Dilemma (1943)
Wimpish Rodney Playfair (Richard Hearne) is persuaded, by a promise to erase his gambling debts, to impersonate an old manservant named Chapman for a few weeks in order to unwittingly provide an alibi for an accomplished thief.
Gert and Daisy Clean Up (1942)
The characters of Gert and Daisy were played by Florence Elsie Waters (1893-1990) and Doris Ethel Waters (l900-l978). This particular film was lost for many years and is newly restored to a complete version, utilising a 16mm print from a private collection and an original 35mm copy. This is the second of three wartime comic-propaganda films starring the beloved radio characters Gert and Daisy, who at a particularly bleak point in the war roll up their sleeves and set about denuding the street on which they live of most of its metal fittings and other material suitable for salvage ("Straight from boozer to cruiser!"), about which they sing a song.
Tons of Trouble (1956)
Mr. Pastry is a kindly but haphazard caretaker in a block of flats looking after two old boilers that need much attention, named Mavis and Ethel. Wily milkman William Hartnell is after the caretaker's Job but learns the hard way - after much hilarity - that some things are best left alone.
Comedy Coctail (1951)
EJ Fancey presents a cavalcade of some of Charlie Chaplin's most famous comedies.
Gert and Daisy's Week-End (1942)
Legends of British music hall and radio, Elsie and Doris Waters are at their very best in this hilarious wartime comedy farce. As the Blitz rages, Gert and Daisy volunteer to escort a rather lively group of evacuee children out of London to the safety of the English countryside. Used to the hardships of London's East End and sheltering from the bombs in Underground stations every night, the luxuries of Little Pipham Hall seem like another world. Soon, the grand house is in uproar and the appearance of a couple of jewel thieves intent on stealing Lady Plumtree's diamonds sets the scene for a grand farce.
Your Money or Your Wife (1960)
A young couple find out they are to inherit a fortune and they immediately go on a spending spree. However, it isn't until after they have spent a considerable sum that they discover the inheritance is to be paid in weekly instalments rather than as a lump sum! The only way they can get their hands on the entire amount is if the husband dies or they divorce. Rather than do this, they decide to take in lodgers to their sizeable home. Unfortunately this is not as simple as it seems, as some of the lodgers turn out to be somewhat eccentric!
When Willie Joy (Frankie Howard) is fired from his job at White City Dog Track he takes pity on injured greyhound Lindy Lou, who seems to have one paw in the grave. Willie nurses the sickly pooch back to health with the help of con man Captain Jack Montague (Stanley Holloway) and they plan to enter their hapless dog in the prestigious Golden Bowl race. They must however escape the clutches of a race fixing gang and dodgy bookie Bert Benton (Lionel Jeffries) to give Lindy Lou a chance to bring home the bacon and win the Golden Bowl!
Percy Brand's (Michael Redgrave)'s son, Colin (Jeremy Burnham), thinks his father is a clergyman, when Percy's real vocation is that of confidence trickster - his frequent spells 'inside' explained away as missionary trips abroad. When a grown-up Colin studies law and eventually becomes a judge's marshal, his father feels bound to retire to a fishing village. He cannot keep ii away from his life of crime, however, and in no time at all he's getting involved in the local squire's brandy smuggling activities...
Long Lost Comedy Classics is a collection of films from a golden age of British Cinema, remembered for timeless stars and some unique movies that have stood the test of time. So why not take a trip down memory lane and see how cinema use to be? After being arrested for assaulting a football referee, desperate train driver Bill (Arthur Askey) raids the railwaymen's holiday fund to cover his £55 fine. He knows he's going to be discovered though, leaving him no choice but to get the money back by hook or by crook! His last chance is to run a book on the United v City football derby. If that wasn't tense enough, Bill's son is also making his debut for United. It looks like it's going to be a day to remember - do you dare look?
Set in early 1950s London, Charley Porter is the captain of a pub darts team who embark on a day trip to Boulogne. Led by landlord Fred Collins (James Hayter) many of his patrons rekindle fond memories of bygone days as they try and avoid over indulging in the delights that France has to otter. Former soldier Jim Carver (Donald Sinden) recounts memories of wartime experiences and is reunited with a lovely French girl, Martine (Odile Versois), who he met during the war. Shorty Sharpe (Bill Owen), conscious of his lack of height and tired of being the butt of people's wisecracks, decides to Join the Foreign Legion while the rest of the gang become involved in all kinds of high jinks in this postcard style romp. At the end of the day the lads board their terry for the return trip - with some promising to return.
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