Valley of Song

Valley of Song

Company type	Film
Industry	Film industry
Founded	1953
Headquarters	United Kingdom
Products	Comedy-drama film

Valley of Song—known in the United States as Men Are Children Twice'—is a 1953 British 'B' comedy-drama directed by Gilbert Gunn. The cast features Mervyn Johns, Clifford Evans, Maureen Swanson, alongside the London Welsh Association Choral Society. The screenplay, penned by Phil Park and Cliff Gordon, adapts Gordon’s 1946 BBC radio drama Choir Practice. This film also marks the screen debut of actress Rachel Roberts.

Plot

In a quaint Welsh community, intense competition unfolds primarily between the Davies and Lloyd families as they vie for a prized position within the local choir. Eventually, the contending contraltos decide to share the coveted role.

Cast

• Mervyn Johns as Minister Griffiths
• Clifford Evans portraying Geraint Llewellyn
• Maureen Swanson in the role of Olwen Davies
• John Fraser as Cliff Lloyd
• Rachel Thomas playing Mrs. Lloyd
• Betty Cooper as Mrs. Davies
• Rachel Roberts cast as Bessie Lewis
• Hugh Pryse as Lloyd, the undertaker
• Edward Evans in the role of Davies
• Kenneth Williams as Lloyd the Haulage
• Alun Owen portraying Pritchard
• Ronald Lewis appearing uncredited
• Desmond Llewelyn as Lloyd the schoolmaster

Production

Shot partly on location in Carmarthenshire during 1952 and at Elstree Studios, Valley of Song introduced audiences to Rachel Roberts for the first time on film. It also marked the initial credited appearance of Kenneth Williams, both actors having previously worked in Swansea repertory theatre under director and co-star Clifford Evans. Additionally, Maureen Swanson took on an early leading role in this production.

Release

After a trade preview held on 26 February 1953, Valley of Song debuted simultaneously across four Welsh cities—Cardiff, Newport, Merthyr Tydfil, and Swansea—on 13 April 1953.

Critical reception

The Monthly Film Bulletin commended the film for its lighthearted approach to a modest narrative, praising its refreshing direction, agreeable cinematography, engaging performances, and effective use of choral music without falling into clichés.

Kine Weekly labeled it a "neat, witty and vocally effective regional comedy drama," emphasizing its genuine locations, robust ensemble led by Clifford Evans, and spirited musical segments that blend humor with a warm depiction of Welsh traditions.

In British Sound Films: The Studio Years 1928–1959, critic David Quinlan awarded it a "good" rating, describing it as an "extremely pleasant comedy" crafted with affection.

According to Eye for Film, the movie offers an "enjoyable if somewhat low-key story" within its 72-minute length. The review highlighted the harmonious contributions from the London Welsh Association Choral Society and nostalgic touches like steam trains, resulting in a satisfying yet uncomplicated viewing experience.