Let George Do It (1938 film)
| Industry | Film production |
|---|---|
| Headquarters | Australia |
| Products | Films |
Let George Do It is a 1938 comedic film featuring the well-known stage performer George Wallace. This was the first of two projects Wallace completed under Ken G. Hall at Cinesound Productions, with the second being Gone to the Dogs (1939). Hall later praised Wallace as, in his view, "undoubtedly the finest comedian this country has ever produced."
Synopsis
Joe Blake is employed as a stagehand at a vaudeville theatre where Mysto the magician is the main attraction. After discovering that Molly, the woman he loves, plans to wed another man, Joe becomes despondent and, together with his friend Happy Morgan, drinks heavily before deciding to end his life. He offers all his belongings to a gangster named Zilch in exchange for arranging a painless death.
Following an unexpected inheritance the next day, Joe changes his mind about dying. However, Zilch and his associates kidnap him, demanding half of Joe’s newfound wealth. With assistance from Clara, a woman who is enamored with him, Joe manages to escape, leading to an exhilarating speedboat pursuit across Sydney Harbour.
Cast
- George Wallace as Joe Blake
- Gwen Munro as Molly
- Harry Abdy as Elmer Zilch
- Letty Craydon as Clara
- Alec Kellaway as Mysto the Great
- Joe Valli as 'Happy' Morgan
- Neil Carlton as John Randall
- George Lloyd as Unk
Production
In February 1937, Stuart F. Doyle secured George Wallace under contract with Cinesound. Although initially slated to headline Gone to the Dogs, this film marked Wallace’s debut with the studio. Ken Hall regarded Wallace as "the finest comedian our country has produced," highlighting his pantomime roots and effortless comedic style that did not rely on heavy makeup.
Hall assembled a team of comedy writers to collaborate with Wallace and Frank Harvey, including cartoonist Jimmy Bancks, Bill Maloney, and Hal Carleton. The screenplay followed a pattern similar to Wallace’s earlier work Ticket in Tatts: an ordinary worker faces dismissal, becomes embroiled in a fantasy scenario, and unintentionally disrupts corrupt gangsters.
Hall recounted incorporating Wallace’s vaudeville routines into the film, such as an original sliding gag and humorous musical segments featuring a bar trio—innovations for Australian cinema during that era. Wallace’s physical comedy skills, particularly his adeptness at comic falls, were highly esteemed by colleagues.
The storyline’s key element—a man hiring a hitman only to reconsider—had been explored in previous films.
The male romantic role was portrayed by Neil Carlton, an actor from Melbourne with prior experience in England. Hall commended Carlton’s acting prowess, vocal talent, and athleticism throughout filming.
Production commenced on 30 January 1938 and wrapped up by 22 March. During filming, a speedboat chase on Sydney Harbour caused an accident that injured three rowers.
The movie included several musical performances highlighting Wallace’s singing and dancing abilities. A water ballet choreographed by Leon Kellaway was shot but largely removed in editing to preserve pacing.
Release
The original version of the film exceeded 70 minutes in length; however, only a 50-minute edition is known to have survived.
Box office
Hall later referred to the pair of films he created with Wallace as "significant successes." According to Variety, the film "set new records across multiple locations."
The distinguished tenor Richard Tauber watched the movie during his tour in Australia.
UK Release
To prevent confusion with the 1940 George Formby picture Let George Do It!, the film was released in the United Kingdom in 1940 under the title In the Nick of Time.
Critical
Filmink commended the movie for being "technically remarkable," emphasizing its outstanding cinematography and production design. The humor and skillfully crafted sequences, particularly the boat chase in Sydney Harbour and the wrestling match between Wallace and Lloyd, received special mention. The film also contained some notably dark comedic moments, such as Wallace's attempts at suicide by poison and his request for Joe Valli to push him in front of a vehicle.
External links
- Let George Do It at Australian Screen Online
- Let George Do It at Oz Movies
- Film review at Variety