All at Sea (1940 film)

All at Sea

Company type	Film
Industry	Motion picture
Founded	1940
Founder	Herbert Smith (director and producer)
Products	Comedy film

All at Sea is a British comedy motion picture from 1940, both directed and produced by Herbert Smith. The film features performances by Sandy Powell, Kay Walsh, and John Warwick. The screenplay was crafted by writers Gerald Elliott and Reginald Long.

Plot

Sandy Skipton, employed at a chemical manufacturing plant, inadvertently joins the navy while transporting a highly volatile new explosive. Through a series of encounters involving espionage, he eventually emerges as the hero who resolves the crisis.

Cast

• Sandy Powell portraying Sandy Skipton
• Kay Walsh as Diana
• John Warwick in the role of Brown
• Gus McNaughton playing Nobby
• George Merritt as Bull
• Leslie Perrins cast as Williams
• Franklin Dyall in the role of Dr. Stolk
• Robert Rendel as Sir Herbert
• Aubrey Mallalieu portraying Prof. Myles

Production

The film was shot at Beaconsfield Studios, with art direction and set design led by Philip Bawcombe.

Reception

The Monthly Film Bulletin characterized the film as "an upbeat, lighthearted combination of slapstick comedy, humour, and a notably catchy song," emphasizing Sandy Powell's performance along with Kay Walsh's charm.

According to Kine Weekly, the movie is a "lively naval comedy parody" that effectively showcases Sandy Powell's sophisticated wit, complemented by clever jokes and an ambitious production scale.

The Daily Film Renter highlighted the film’s "exciting entertainment value" and authentic naval settings, made possible through collaboration with the Navy.