CURTAIN UP
UK, 1953, 81 minutes, Black and white.
Robert Morley, Margaret Rutherford, Kay Kendall, Michael Medwin, Joan Hickson.
Directed by Ralph Smart.
Curtain Up is one of those short British comedies full of very good acting, for example Robert Morley and Margaret Rutherford, very humorous lines and a parody of the British style. The setting Is a country repertory theatre in rehearsal. There are many expected situations but all In all this Is a very pleasing British satire.
1. A typical small-budget English comedy, British style, of the early fifties? Its appeal, impact, comedy success?
2. Conventions of the English comedy of the time, black and white photography, simple location, emphasis on eccentric British characters interacting with one another? The enjoyment of this kind of observation of a section of England, English society. English foibles? How perceptive, how humorous?
3. Black and white photography, the skit on English repertory theatre and the presentation of the theatre itself ? stage, auditorium, costumes, special effects etc.?
4. The credibility of the plot? Arranged to make a point about dictatorial directors, eccentric authors, would-be actors and actresses, humorous plays and the traditions of the British theatre?
5. How well drawn were the characters? Developed as characters or representing British types? Robert Morley's style as Harry the director - Morley's mannerisms, style, wit? How well did he use it to convey the dictator-director and his encounter with Margaret Rutherford, as the author? Margaret Rutherford's style and the daffy and eccentric lady playwright, interfering, taking over? Maude and the older members of the cast with their experience and resignation to the way things are? Sandra and her husband with their hopes for moving into films and away from repertory and the country? Avis as the young girl with her dreams of success in the theatre having to be dissuaded?
6. How well conveyed was the atmosphere of the theatre, the rehearsals, the lunch breaks, the gossiping, the fighting? Phone calls, the hospitalization of Harry?
7. The quality of the comedy - the humorous lines, the farcical incidents, the perception of the particular types drawn and their strengths and weakness and the humorous side of human nature?
8. Comment on the memorable comedy sequences ? especially with Morley and Rutherford?
9. The conventions of British optimism and 'the show must go on' underlying the basic message of this film and its presentation, endearingly of things British?
