I have a sneaking feeling that Sing As We Go was the late film critic Leslie Halliwell's favourite film of all time. It was in his Top 100, in the '70's he scripted at least 2 UK ITV Clapperboard programmes about it, and the tape I've got comes from '89, when UK Channel 4 let him show a season of his favourites. It's wonderful what rose-tinted spectacles can do - unfortunately I didn't see this at 5 years old as he did, and in situ, so to write. It's been a world away for a couple of generations now, the only probable solace for serious viewers is examining and later presenting dissertations at their University on the significance of and from an enlightened historical perspective the social conditions prevalent in North West England in the early '30's, and the way it was (conventionally) displayed on screen for mass consumption by the plebs. Being merely a pleb I've always enjoyed SAWG, warts an' all, purely from an entertainment point of view!
Gracie thrown on t' dole, finds odds jobs in Blackpool, helps the beautiful girl from London Dorothy Hyson land the handsome London-type John Loder that she's been carrying torch for herself. Some nice action shots at the Pleasure Beach, and some nice songs along the way. "Love, wonderful love" especially showed Gracie's marvellous voice off well, "Sing As We Go" itself, as well as "Just A Catchy Little Tune" were chopped about at the dictates of the script. It's a pity Stanley Holloway didn't get time to do "Sam" or summat, but as least he's there, and he does do a short routine near the end. Frank Pettingell is sterling as drunken Uncle Murgatroyd, but again regrettably his intriguing past career as a clock-mender was skimmed over with a few witticisms.
You won't see a more 1930's Northern-authentic film than this, and although it probably isn't in my Top 100, with an open mind and heart it's a joy to watch.
