Alive and Kicking (1959 film)
| Company type | Film |
|---|---|
| Industry | Entertainment |
| Founded | 1959 |
| Headquarters | United Kingdom |
| Products | Comedy film |
Alive and Kicking is a British comedy film from 1959, directed by Cyril Frankel. The cast features Sybil Thorndike, Kathleen Harrison, Estelle Winwood, and Stanley Holloway, with Richard Harris making his first film appearance. The narrative centers on three women who escape from a retirement home to avoid being separated and subsequently launch a thriving cottage industry producing sweaters on a secluded island off the coast of Ireland (though the filming took place in Scotland).
The movie was introduced to American audiences in 1964, with promotional efforts connecting it to Stanley Holloway's acclaimed role in My Fair Lady.
Plot
Upon discovering they will be split up, Mrs. Wilmot, Miss Baker, and Miss Fife make their escape from the Sunset Home. After unintentionally drifting out to sea, they are rescued by a Russian cargo ship but demand to be dropped off at the earliest chance, arriving on Inishfada, an Irish island.
There, they find three rundown cottages recently acquired by MacDonagh, who soon dies due to a heart ailment. Claiming to be his nieces, the women move into the cottages and take possession of his new furnishings. A local misunderstanding leads villagers to believe MacDonagh was married to all three women, causing uproar that is settled when Dora Wilmot explains their true relationship. During a welcoming gathering, they spot an exquisitely knitted sweater.
Dora sends one sweater to her cousin’s dress shop in London, which results in an order for 300 more valued at £5 each. She coordinates production by employing local women at £4 10s per sweater while keeping the remaining amount as profit. When MacDonagh’s solicitor arrives searching for him, the women conceal his absence until he is discovered stranded on another island and brought back. MacDonagh, who has returned to support his community, endorses the women's business venture.
Cast
- Sybil Thorndike as Dora
- Kathleen Harrison as Rosie
- Estelle Winwood as Mabel
- Stanley Holloway as MacDonagh
- Liam Redmond as old man
- Marjorie Rhodes as old woman
- Richard Harris as lover
- Olive McFarland as lover
- John Salew as solicitor
- Eric Pohlmann as Soviet captain
- Colin Gordon as bird watcher
- Joyce Carey as matron
- Anita Sharp-Bolster as postmistress
- Paul Farrell as postman
- Patrick McAlinney as policeman
- Raymond Manthorpe as little boy
- Tony Quinn as villager
- Harry Hutchinson as villager
- Brendan O'Dowda as singer
- Joseph McNally as singer
- Liz Fraser as June (uncredited)
- Totti Truman Taylor as Royal Personage (uncredited)
Soundtrack
- "Alive and Kicking", composed by Philip Green with lyrics by Michael Carr
- "Liscannon Bay", music by Philip Green and words by Michael Carr
- "Sobre las Olas" (uncredited), originally by Juventino Rosas, arranged by Philip Green
- "The Chop Waltz" (1877) (uncredited), composed by Euphemia Allen under the pseudonym Arthur De Lulli
- "One I Truly Love", music by Philip Green and lyrics by Michael Carr
- "What Shall We Do With A Drunken Sailor" (uncredited), traditional tune performed by Sybil Thorndike, Estelle Winwood, and Kathleen Harrison
- "The Farmer in the Dell" (uncredited), a traditional children's song sung by youngsters
Critical reception
The film was characterized by Allmovie as an "endearing comedy."
TV Guide awarded it 3 out of 5 stars, commending the performances of the three principal actresses alongside Stanley Holloway.
Similarly, Radio Times gave a 3/5 star rating, lauding the actresses and describing director Cyril Frankel's approach as "light yet entertaining Irish whimsy."