Variety Jubilee

Variety Jubilee is a curious film with a thin story but it stands on its own feet as as tribute to the music hall.

In many ways it is The Good Old Days with a plot.

Starting in the Victorian era. Joe Swan and Kit Burns are friends who become a variety act. Kit marries Evelyn despite Joe also wooing her.

Eventually both Joe and Kit manage the music hall. The 1930s bring a decline to their fortunes because of radio and sound cinema.

Joe recalls the story of his life to Kit's grandson who is due to fight in the second world war.

The plot is filled with acts from the stage. There are Cancun dancers, Minstrels, the daughter of Marie Lloyd plays her mother, Wilson and Keppel (No Betty.)

Some of the acrobatics might make you wince. There is a dancer who is thrown around like a rag doll. Rather highlighting that health and safety was lower part of the bill.

Variety Jubilee is worth watching for the old time acts that have been caught for posterity.