BRANDY FOR THE PARSON

UK, 1952, 75 minutes, Black and white.
James Donald, Kenneth More, Jean Lodge, Frederick Piper, Charles Hawtrey, Michael Trubsure, Alfie Bass, Reginald Beckwith.
Directed by John Eldridge.

This is a very British comedy-drama, anchored in the early 1950s. It has been praised for its views of the British countryside. It has the touch of the kind of British comedy that was being made at the times, especially at Ealing Studios, but not as effective.

The film is based on a story by Geoffrey Household, best known as the author of Rogue Male/Man Hunt. James Donald is always a very solid, rather humourless character. This is an early film for Kenneth More who was go on to great success with comedies like Genevieve, with dramas like Reach for the Sky. Leading lady is Jean Lodge. There are quite a number of veteran British character actors in support. This includes Charles Hawtrey in his pre-Carry On days.

The central couple are middle-class, not embarrassed for money, going on a yachting holiday but immediately crashing into a boat steered by Kenneth More who seems to be up to no good even though he does it with charm. The principal preoccupation of the time was with customs and smuggling. This is a story about how the charmer persuades the couple to continue to be involved with him in going to France, paying over money, having delivery of Brandy, sailing it back to England, unloading it up small rivulet but observed by the officials. The rest of the film is how to avoid detection – with barrels of brandy, with donkeys, with a travelling fair, with superior superiors in London, with local gentry who are eager to have the Brandy…

The titles comes from a rhyme. While the film is pleasant, it doesn’t remain strongly in the memory…