The Deputy Drummer

Lupino Lane was a big name in the inter war period.His most famous role being in "Me & My Girl".It is interesting to look at his film career and realise that most of his films were made in the silent era.He only made a few more films after this,his film career ending in 1940.Viewing this film it has to be said that this is not surprising.This film is to put it bluntly a threadbare quota quickie.The storyline has him posing as someone else,nothing new there.The story is a rehash of many similar musicals and has no originality whatsoever.It also has to be said that Lane hardly lights up the screen with his personality.Not particularly entertaining.

Lupino Lane directs (as Henry W. George) and stars in this funny slapstick farce. He's Adolphus Miggs, who's been writing his Rhapsody in Pink for three years. Through the usual assortment of pushing by leading lady Jean Denis (in her only screen appearance) and shenanigans, he's at a swank country party, mistaken for Lord Miggs, involved in a plot to steal a priceless necklace and indulge in his usual fine acrobatic pratfalls. I was particularly taken with the sand dance he does with his dog and one reel near the end, shot wild and slightly undercranked.

Alas, Lane's movie career wouldn't last much longer. The massive success of his next West End show, ME AND MY GIRL, would keep him busy for the rest of his career. Good for him.