Trouble Brewing (1939 film)
| Trouble Brewing | |
|---|---|
Poster, from UK trade advertisement | |
| Directed by | Anthony Kimmins |
| Written by |
|
| Produced by | Jack Kitchin |
| Starring | |
| Cinematography | Ronald Neame |
| Edited by |
|
| Music by | Ernest Irving |
Production company | |
| Distributed by | Associated British |
Release date |
|
Running time | 87 minutes |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Language | English |
Trouble Brewing is a 1939 British comedy film directed by Anthony Kimmins and starring George Formby, Googie Withers and Gus McNaughton.[1][2] It was written by Michael Hogan, Angus MacPhail and Kimmins, based on a novel by Joan Butler.
It was made by Associated Talking Pictures,[3] and includes the songs "Fanlight Fanny" and "Hitting the Highspots Now".[4] The sets were designed by art director Wilfred Shingleton.
Plot summary
George Gullip is a Daily Sun compositor who wins a large sum at the races. He collects three ten-pound notes but, unable to spend them at the bar, exchanges them for six five-pound notes, which turn out to be counterfeit. Gullip is determined to find the criminals and in so doing goes "undercover" as a waiter and a wrestler, before various clues suggest the villain is Gullip's own boss at the newspaper.[5]
Cast
- George Formby as George Gullip
- Googie Withers as Mary Brown
- Gus McNaughton as Bill Pike
- Garry Marsh as A.G. Brady
- C. Denier Warren as Major Hopkins
- Beatrix Fielden-Kaye as housekeeper
- Joss Ambler as Lord Redhill
- Ronald Shiner as Bridgewater
- Martita Hunt as Madame Berdi
- Esma Cannon as maid
- Basil Radford as guest
- Hal Gordon as brewery truck driver
- James Knight as brewery foreman
- Harry Terry as race card seller
- Jack Vyvian as policeman playing cards
- Elsie Wagstaff as Mrs. Hopkins
Critical reception
The Monthly Film Bulletin wrote: "George Formby has done it again, which is probably all that need be said about this joyous farce."[6]
Kine Weekly wrote: "Slapstick comedy and thousands of feet of undiluted laughter-making episodes, and, of course, George with his ukulele and his own inimitable way of putting his songs ove ... boisterous opportunities for side-splitting amusement."[7]
Picturegoer wrote: "It is enjoyable knockabout stuff ... George Formby gives a real piece of comedy characterization as well as singing and playing his uke. Gus McNaughton is good as Bill and Googie Withers makes an attractive and intelligent heroine."[8]
Picture Show wrote: "Gorgeously funny comedy, which is easily the best George Formby has given us. ... Outstanding comedy entertainment."[9]
TV Guide found the film an "enjoyable Formby vehicle".[4]
Sky Movies wrote, "the fun is as fast and furious in this incident-packed George Formby romp as in any film he made...Receipts foamed over at box-offices throughout Britain."[10]
See also
References
- ^ "Trouble Brewing". British Film Institute Collections Search. Retrieved 12 November 2025.
- ^ "BFI | Film & TV Database | TROUBLE BREWING (1939)". Ftvdb.bfi.org.uk. 16 April 2009. Archived from the original on 14 January 2009. Retrieved 13 March 2014.
- ^ Wood p.99
- ^ a b "Trouble Brewing Review". Movies.tvguide.com. Archived from the original on 22 February 2014. Retrieved 13 March 2014.
- ^ Kimmins, Anthony (24 July 1939), Trouble Brewing (Action, Comedy, Crime), George Formby, Googie Withers, Gus McNaughton, Associated Talking Pictures (ATP), retrieved 4 December 2023
- ^ "Trouble Brewing". The Monthly Film Bulletin. 6 (61): 41. 1 January 1939. ProQuest 1305804020.
- ^ "Trouble Brewing". Kine Weekly. 301 (1): 36. 19 March 1942. ProQuest 2835074474.
- ^ "Trouble Brewing". Picturegoer. 9: 20. 6 July 1939. ProQuest 1771172642.
- ^ "Trouble Brewing". Picture Show. 41 (1056): 19. 22 July 1939. ProQuest 1880304664.
- ^ "Trouble Brewing - Sky Movies HD". Skymovies.sky.com. 6 November 2003. Archived from the original on 22 February 2014. Retrieved 13 March 2014.
Bibliography
- Wood, Linda. British Films, 1927-1939. British Film Institute, 1986.