The Love Match

Arthur Askey was a major British television star from the 1950s onwards but still found time to star in a number of good solid comedies. Most of his best work was during the Second World War but Love Match must also rank as one of his best films. Askey and friend Wally (Glenn Melvyn) drive a steam locomotive for a living but his real passion is football and in particular his local team United. The plot starts here and manages to pack in a lot; an argument with the referee (Franklyn) at a match; an appearance before the magistrate (a lovely Rob Wilton cameo) his daughter (Eaton) in a dance contest, her romance with Alfie Hall (Ross), his son (Kenney) getting the chance to play professionally - but for City, shock at meeting the new lodger (Franklyn again) and various dodges to replace some stolen holiday money - all in 85 minutes!

The script based on a play by Melvyn gives plenty of opportunity for the talented cast to shine. In particular Danny Ross stands out - a fine comedian, in the Lancashire tradition of the gormless simpleton, he seems to have made far too few films. This is the only one I have seen so far. His main legacy seems to have been appearing as the same Alf Hall character in the long running radio show 'The Clitheroe Kid' (1958-1972). Still worth hearing if you get the chance.

Some of Askey's 1940s efforts are absolutely dire.It is little surprise when he stopped making films after "Bees In Paradise" which is truly awful.So it is something of a surprise to see how good he is in this film.Mind you he shortly returned to dismal form with "Ransbottom Rides Again".clearly he was very reliant on his material.Glenn Melvyn's screen play is funny and clearly tailor made for Askey.the whole film is very nostalgic with steam engines and views of Burnden Park and The Valley.There are a lot of film of matches which are extremely interesting.There is one notable continuity howler.Askey's son is playing against a team with dark shirts,however in the inert he hi playing against a team in white.A real bonus for lovers of music hall is the scene in the magistrates court with the great Robb Wilton doing part of his famous act.Worh seeing just for that.

i first saw this movie many years ago when British television used to show afternoon matinées.it is one of those movies that is once watched it is hard to forget. So many wonderful scenes, most famous probably being Danny Ross's unbeatable pratfall.The cast is a virtual who's who of the British music hall. apart from the legendary Arthur Askey, you have the aforementioned Danny Ross, the wonderful Glenn Melvyn (Who incidentally gave Ronnie Barker his first break in television,who in turn based his shopkeeper Arkwright from Open All Hours on Melvyn's Stage act).

Who can forget the ever reliable Thora Hird and Patricia Hayes. There was also a young Shirley Eaton 8 years before she turned up covered in gold paint in Goldfinger.There was also William Franklyn (remember him from TVs Masterspy),Edward Chapman who would later be famous as Mr Grimsdale in many a Norman Wisdom Film. Another famous music hall star was Robb Wilton who played the judge who Askey helps fill in his football coupon.Incidentally there was 2 spin off TV series from this classic Love and kisses in 1955 and I'm not bothered in 1956. Wouldn't it be wonderful if British TV started to repeat shows like this or at least release them on D.V.D.

An absolutely wonderful film.

I was brought up on Arthur Askey and Will Hay films, so I can appreciate the humour. Arthur Askey is my favourite comedian. This has to be one of my favourite films.

The line where Bill says to his wife Sal, 'He'll never make an engine driver, that Wally. His eyes aren't far enough apart to see through the engine windows'. Absolutely priceless!!! The cast is great, with both Arthur and Thora Hird putting in great performances. Also, an hilarious turn from Rob Wilton.

I would recommend this film to anyone who likes silliness! Especially of the Askey variety.

(FYI the guy who played Wally, is, apparently, who Ronnie Barker copied his stutter from in Open All Hours)

This is a very funny film from the mid 50's about Bill who is a railway motorman who is a giant football (soccer) fan. He goes to a match with his co-worker Wally (played by the writer of this gem, Glenn Melvyn) and by accident he hits the referee with a pie in the face. He is hauled off to court and fined 5 pounds, but Wally, who is deliberately dim in the film, hands the bag of money which was for a railwaymen party to someone who promptly uses the money to pay her fine of 50 pounds. So, how are they going to get the money back? There are other characters in this film, namely Bill's wife, who has great one liners, his son who is going to play football for the team Bill hates and his daughter, the stunning Shirley Eaton, who is entered in a dance contest in Liverpool. This is a great comedy about a family and their own part of the world. The screenplay by Mr. Melvyn is superb, and there are genuinely hilarious moments. No matter what kind of comedy you like, this is very highly recommended. Its crisp, the wit keeps flowing and the laughs are plenty. What more can you ask for?