Cheer Up!

It's the depths of the Great Depression, and everyone in this film is either very poor or very rich (except for the couple who used to be very rich and are now very poor). A playwright and a songwriter are trying to sell their show; an attractive young woman is trying to get an acting job. A misunderstanding brings them together. The humor is very fast, if not very funny. Most of the songs in this musical show up in the second half; the title song is catchy, and the finale is energetic, if bizarre, but the rest of the music is forgettable. Star/writer/producer Stanley Lupino (father of Ida) is a decent broad comedian, but not much of a singer or a dancer. Sally Gray, who became a big star later in her career, had great legs and a serviceable voice but, at this stage of her career anyway, wasn't much of an actress. I'd recommend the last big dance number, which seems to sweep through most of London - it's very surreal and very entertaining.

It is a sad fact that whilst many Hollywood stars and films of the thirties are still vividly recalled and their memories cherished their English counterparts languish in the vaults.This is one such.Stanley Lupino is probably only remembered as the father of Ida.However he was as they say a star of stage screen and radio.This is a truly delightful film which is as bright and entertaining as the time that it was released.The musical numbers are very catchy and well staged.It all moves along at a fair pace and is over all too soon.It was shown on Channel 4 about 15 years ago when i managed to catch it,so i suppose that i am one of the few people to have seen it.If you do get the chance watch it and you will see what i mean.