Evergreen (film)

Gaumont British

Industry	Film production
Headquarters	London , United Kingdom
Key people	Michael Balcon (producer)
Products	Films

Evergreen is a 1934 British musical film directed by Victor Saville, featuring performances by Jessie Matthews, Sonnie Hale, and Barry MacKay. Adapted from the 1930 stage musical Ever Green, the film stars Matthews in a dual portrayal of both mother and daughter.

The production, overseen by Michael Balcon at Gaumont British, was filmed at London's Lime Grove Studios. The visual design was crafted by art director Alfred Junge, while the score includes compositions by Rodgers and Hart.

Plot

Set against the backdrop of Edwardian-era London music halls, the story follows Harriet Green, a celebrated singer who conceals having an illegitimate child. After being subjected to blackmail, she relocates to South Africa to raise her daughter away from public scrutiny. Years later, her daughter Harriet Hawkes returns to London with ambitions in show business. Tommy Thompson, a publicity agent, persuades a producer to cast Harriet as the "remarkably preserved" original Harriet Green. Their ruse is successful until Harriet’s striptease act exposes the truth, complicating her romantic involvement with Tommy.

Cast

• Jessie Matthews as Harriet Green / Harriet Hawkes
• Sonnie Hale as Leslie Benn
• Betty Balfour as Maudie
• Barry MacKay as Tommy Thompson
• Ivor McLaren as Marquis of Staines
• Hartley Power as Treadwell
• Patrick Ludlow as Lord Shropshire
• Betty Shale as Mrs Hawkes
• Marjorie Brooks as Marjorie Moore
• Stewart Granger as Audience Member
• Charles Mortimer as Butler
• Cyril Smith as Stage Manager

Matthews, a prominent English singer, dancer, and actress of the 1930s, demonstrates her range through this dual character performance. Hale was Matthews’ real-life spouse.

Production

Following the acclaim of Jessie Matthews’ 1930 West End appearance in Rodgers and Hart’s Ever Green musical, producer Michael Balcon cast her in the cinematic adaptation of Benn W. Levy’s play by Emlyn Williams. Four new songs by Harry M. Woods supplemented the score, replacing several original Rodgers and Hart pieces.

RKO, the Hollywood studio associated with Fred Astaire, prevented Balcon from casting Astaire—who was then performing in The Gay Divorce at London's Palace Theatre and had hoped to star alongside Matthews. Contemporary commentators suggested that such a collaboration would have been well received by critics and audiences.

Although at the height of her career, Matthews endured a near mental collapse during filming. In her memoir Over My Shoulder, she acknowledged director Victor Saville for his crucial support that enabled her to complete the film.

Reception

Debuting at Radio City Music Hall, critic Andre Sennwald of The New York Times lauded both the film and Matthews: "Evergreen stands as the most enjoyable musical comedy yet produced by the ambitious British film industry. Featuring expert technical execution and outstanding Rodgers and Hart compositions, this Gaumont-British version of Benn W. Levy’s play is truly delightful. Jessie Matthews is a graceful and charming star who merits greater recognition in America—a female counterpart to Fred Astaire. Hollywood should immediately pair them for an ideal partnership."

After its success in the United States, MGM extended a significant Hollywood offer to Matthews; however, Gaumont British declined to authorize her release.

Bibliography

• Jerry Vermilye, The Great British Films, Citadel Press, 1978
• Jessie Matthews, Over My Shoulder - An Autobiography, W.H. Allen, 1974