Sparrows Can't Sing
| Industry | Theatre and film production |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1963 |
| Founder | Joan Littlewood |
| Headquarters | London , United Kingdom |
Sparrows Can't Sing is a 1963 British kitchen sink comedy and the sole directorial effort by Joan Littlewood. The film features performances by James Booth and Barbara Windsor.[1] Adapted by Stephen Lewis from his 1960 stage play Sparrers Can't Sing, which premiered at Littlewood's Theatre Workshop within the Theatre Royal Stratford East, the movie was produced under the supervision of Donald Taylor.
Plot
After spending two years at sea, Cockney sailor Charlie returns home to discover his East London house has been demolished and his wife Maggie is nowhere to be found. Maggie is now living with a bus driver named Bert and has a baby whose father is uncertain. Initially, Charlie’s friends conceal Maggie’s location because of his volatile temperament, but he eventually uncovers the truth about her new relationship. Following a tense reunion and a confrontation with Bert, Charlie and Maggie depart together, their disagreements persisting.
Cast
- James Booth as Charlie Gooding
- Barbara Windsor as Maggie Gooding
- Roy Kinnear as Fred Gooding
- Avis Bunnage as Bridgie Gooding
- Barbara Ferris as Nellie Gooding
- Brian Murphy as Jack
- George Sewell as Bert
- Griffith Davies as Chunky
- Murray Melvin as Georgie
- Arthur Mullard as Ted
- Peggy Ann Clifford as Ted's wife
- Bob Grant as Perce
- Stephen Lewis as caretaker
- Victor Spinetti as Arnold
- Jenny Sontag as Momma
- May Scagnelli as Gran
- Fanny Carby as Lil
- Yootha Joyce as Yootha
- Janet Howse as Janet
- Queenie Watts as Queenie
- John Junkin as bridge operator
- Harry H. Corbett as greengrocer
- Marjie Lawrence as girl
- Glynn Edwards as Charlie's friend
- Gerry Raffles as lorry driver
- Rita Webb as Maggie's neighbour (Uncredited)
- Georgina Mitchell gypsy flower seller in pub
- Sarah Booth as baby in pram (James Booth's biological daughter)
Production
Filming took place during the summer of 1962 on location throughout Limehouse, Isle of Dogs, Stepney, Stratford, along with sessions at Elstree Studios. The Kray twins, residents near Vallance Road, were known to visit the production sites occasionally. While some accounts suggest the Krays appeared briefly in a cameo near the film’s conclusion, film historian Richard Dacre contests this claim.
The script incorporates a mix of Cockney rhyming slang, London Yiddish, and thieves' cant. According to The New York Times, much of the Cockney dialogue was largely unintelligible to those unfamiliar with it. Notably, it was the first English-language film released in the United States accompanied by subtitles.
Original compositions were created by James Stevens, with additional incidental music provided by Stanley Black.
Release
The film's world premiere occurred on 26 February 1963 at the ABC cinema located on Mile End Road, with the Earl of Snowdon in attendance. Following the premiere, celebrations took place at venues associated with the Kray twins, including the Kentucky Club and Esmeralda's Barn in London's West End.
The movie officially opened at the Rialto Cinema in London's West End on 27 February 1963.
Reception
The Monthly Film Bulletin recognized some early technical imperfections and inconsistent performances but commended Joan Littlewood's dynamic and authentic representation of Cockney culture.
Variety emphasized Littlewood's theatrical roots and energetic execution despite her lack of film experience. The critique praised the lively cinematography depicting East End neighborhoods and characterized the movie as spirited, though somewhat overstated.
Leslie Halliwell dismissed the film as a stereotypical Cockney comedic melodrama that failed to engage or impress.
The Radio Times Guide to Films awarded it a 1 out of 5 rating, faulting the movie for its inability to genuinely portray East End life, labeling it condescending with insufficient social commentary and weak character development.
Accolades
In 1964, Barbara Windsor earned a nomination for the BAFTA Award for Best Actress in a Leading Role at the British Academy Film Awards.
Home media
A Blu-ray version compatible with region B was made available on 12 October 2015.
External links
- ↑ "Sparrows Can't Sing". British Film Institute Collections Search. Retrieved 13 April 2024.