Charley Moon

I thought this film was a lovely bit of nostalgic escapism with some good tunes ...... Recommended for a wet Sunday when you need cheering up

Based on a 1953 novel by Reginald Arkell, this elaborate Eastmancolour (sic) vehicle for the up-and-coming young Max Bygraves takes a remarkably jaundiced view of show business; both for those bumping along the bottom like Dennis Price (himself at that time just rallying from a recent low point both personally and professionally) and for those like Charley Moon that make it to the top only to find themselves surrounded by flatulent bores and hangers on.

The highly stylised theatrical musical numbers staged by Vida Hope are pointedly bookended by idyllic scenes shot on location in the pretty little village were he rejoins girl next door Patricia Driscoll. The other women - Shirley Eaton (much later reunited with director Guy Hamilton in 'Goldfinger') and Florence Desmond - both appear only briefly and are depictly as shallow and fickle; the strongest impression being made when the film is nearly over by a nine year-old Jane Asher.

I found this musical decent enough with some good tunes (especially during Charley's stage performances) but failing to make much of an impression.

At first I thought it was because the story had clichéd elements in it that have been seen a million times before, especially when Charley finds that - gasp! - fame and fortune isn't all it's cracked up to be.

But that wasn't the main reason as there have been plenty of great movie musicals full of clichés and obvious story lines.

I think what holds this film back is that it lacks what the best Hollywood musicals of this era had, especially the MGM ones. Namely, a confident sense of style and pizazz and a desire to be noticed.

The style of 'Charley Moon' is all too modest. Take for example the early segment where Charley Moon's father dies. In a top line Hollywood musical of the day, the melodrama from this would be milked for all its worth. Here, it barely registers any impact.

Despite this, it's an OK film. It has some good tunes and is given a level of quality by it's impressive supporting cast (especially Dennis Price). In the lead Max Bygraves is a bit awkward early on but is personable enough and does a solid job overall.

I watched this film many years ago and again recently but as now, and as it was then, it is one of those films who used famous people who, to be brutally honest, could not act to save their lives, Max Bygraves being a prime example. Many well known actors are in this pointless and boring film and many went in to become stars in their own right, others merely faded away. Mr Bygraves was always a favourite of the older generations and his musical contribution of "singalongamax" was probably his most successfull effort.

This film incorporates a lot of stage performances including a panto.There is some half hearted attempt at a story.Bygraves,no actor,is supported by the always watchable Dennis Price.Thirties variety star,Florence Desmond,makes a brief appearance