This'll Make You Whistle
| Company type | Film |
|---|---|
| Industry | Entertainment |
| Founded | 1936 |
| Founder | Herbert Wilcox |
| Products | Musical comedy film |
This'll Make You Whistle is a 1936 British musical comedy directed and produced by Herbert Wilcox, featuring performances by Jack Buchanan, Elsie Randolph, and William Kendall. The film adapts the stage musical of the same title, which also starred Buchanan.
Synopsis
A charming gentleman finds himself accidentally engaged to two women at once: Laura, an avid horse lover, and Joan, a kind-hearted woman whose mother objects to the match. He attempts to persuade Laura's guardian that he is not a suitable husband while simultaneously convincing Joan's mother of his worthiness. The situation becomes more complicated due to the meddling of his friends and the presence of Bobbie Rivers, an alluring life model. The narrative moves from London to the French seaside resort of Le Touquet, introducing additional twists.
Cast
- Jack Buchanan as Bill Hoppings
- Elsie Randolph as Bobbie Rivers
- Jean Gillie as Joan Longhurst
- William Kendall as Reggie Benson
- David Hutcheson as Archie Codrington
- Maidie Hope as Mrs. Longhurst
- Anthony Holles as Sebastian Venables
- Marjorie Brooks as Laura Buxton
Stage production
The musical debuted in Southsea in December 1935 before enjoying a successful engagement in London's West End at the Palace Theatre and later at Daly's. The original cast included Jack Buchanan (Bill Hoppings), Jean Gillie (Joan Longhurst), Sylvia Leslie (Laura Buxton), Maidie Hope (Mrs Longhurst), and Elsie Randolph (Bobbie Rivers). When staged in Australia, the show was renamed The Melody of London.
Critical reception
The New York Times observed: "While Mars launches its attack, England has dropped a hot-air bomb near the Fifty-fifth Street Playhouse labeled 'This'll Make You Whistle.' Our response is indeed a whistle—barely audible, formed by pursed lips exhaling softly. Herbert Wilcox, who ought to have exercised better judgment, sent forth this creation featuring talents such as Jack Buchanan, Elsie Randolph, and Antony Holles, but burdened it with a slowly paced musical comedy plot about a man juggling too many fiancées. Representative line: 'You're the bigamist fool in London.' Representative scene: Mr. Buchanan and a friend disguised as bearded policemen pursued by twenty similarly bearded officers. Typical reaction: Ouch!"
References