Sailing Along

Depending on whose chronology you read, this film was the last of the six 1930s musical films made which starred Jessie Matthews (but not the last film she made). A vast improvement over her prior film, "Head Over Heels", and better than another prior film, "Gangway", this film is worth a look to those interested in Matthews's dancing. This film briefly shows Matthews toe-dancing ballet, proving once again that she was an all-around, well-trained dancer.

Although the score has no memorable "standard" songs, the tunes were typical of the 1930s melodies and lyrics. Since Matthews was reportedly a popular and prolific recording artist in England, it's no surprise that she is given songs to perform in addition to, and along with her dancing performances.

Matthews is paired with American actor, Jack Whiting, a proficient dancer and singer in his own right. He is certainly capable of keeping up with Matthews in three tap dancing duets. Whiting is given one solo song and dance number as well.

Also appearing is American actor, Noel Madison, a familiar face in 1930s films, mostly in gangster roles. Another familiar face is character actor, Roland Young, another English émigré to America.

This film shows a good representation of Matthews's dancing skills, and it's no wonder she was nicknamed "The Dancing Divinity". It's worthwhile viewing for those who are interested in her. I've now seen all six of Matthews's musicals, and this film is the second best for showcasing Matthews's dancing, in my opinion. It can be purchased on VHS.

Jessie Mathews is simply adorable in this delightful 1930s English B&W musical. Poor little Thames River barge girl dreams of fame and fortune on the London stage only to give it all up for true love... and a schooner. In addition to a lovely singing voice and exuberant tomboy personality, Jessie was an exceptionally gifted dancer. Paired perfectly with the American singer/dancer Jack Whiting, the couple do a number of eccentric syncopated numbers rather in the style of Fred and Ginger. There is a very British take on a wise-cracking and vulgar American press-agent, aptly named "Windy," wonderfully played by Noel Madison, the son of the great Yiddish actor Maurice Moscovitch. (Mr. Jaeckel, the barber's friend, in Chaplin's "The Great Dictator.") The film was written and directed by her husband and produced in lavish style at Pinewood Studios by England's David Selznick, Michael Balcon, who would go on to produce the famous Ealing Studios comedies.

I had a friend who lived on a boat on the River Thames in Richmond - just along from the Who's guitarist Pete Townsend whose daughter Emma fancied me big time back in the 1980s. She was a bit of a big-head. Anyway, I learned about life on the water and was made aware of a section of society that most people are unaware of - there is a river community. This involves regulars dropping by on each other in their small speedboats to drop off drugs, say hello, etc. Well, it looks like Jessie Matthews (Kay) favours this lifestyle as she is brought up living and sailing along the Thames with skipper Frank Pettingell and his son Barry MacKay (Stevel). Matthews and MacKay constantly bicker at each other whilst pursuing their individual dreams away from the water.

The rivalry between Matthews and Mackay is not at all convincing - they are pretty horrible to each other - and both actors can be irritating, Matthews with her pronunciation and her singing, and MacKay with his temperament. However, the script can be funny, the supporting cast are quite good, the dancing numbers are entertaining and the film keeps you watching. Forget the songs, though. Jack Whiting (Randall) plays an already successful entertainer and his singing is far superior to Matthews. Alastair Sims (Sylvester) has a good part as an abstract artist.

Whilst watching the film, it struck my wife and I how similar in looks Matthews is to Sarah Brightman. I bet Jessie Matthews is the favourite actress of Andrew Lloyd-Weber. Also, more creepily, I bet if he was around at the same time, he would be hanging around her dressing room, writing terrible songs for her to perform and trying to get a date. Matthews must be relieved that he wasn't around, although she would have murdered any of the bland tunes that he came up with by performing them in that terribly old-fashioned singing style.

In her autobiography Jessie Matthews said how difficult it was to make this film.This is because it was directed by her then husband,Sonnie Hale,who wanted this to be a platform for them both.It eventually recked their marriage.However what they have left for us is a lasting tribute to their respective talents.The musical numbers are well staged,with some marvelous art deco sets.Whilst the songs themselves did not become standards nevertheless they are very catchy.There is some sterling stellar support from some fine actors of the period.Whilst Barry Mackay might not be a well remembered name,he turns in a performance which is certainly well worth remembering.Then of course there is Roland Young giving us another of his incomparable bumbling performances.It is so sad that the second world war seemed to stop dead in its tracks her film career.She only made a handful of films after 1939.

Thanks to Robert Osborne and Turner Classic Movies for showcasing another wonderful performer who seems to be largely forgotten today. I thought I had a fair knowledge of movies, but I had never heard of Jessie Matthews until a recent showing of "Evergreen" on one of "Robert's Picks" nights. I read the description in the TCM guide and thought I would take a look, not expecting too much. After watching it, I wondered why I had never heard of this lovely and talented lady? I was captivated from her first scene and have eagerly awaited more ever since. This was the third movie I have seen with her, and I am a bigger fan than ever. She was a real charmer, and unlike most stars of the time, she wasn't afraid to look silly or unglamorous for a laugh. She appears in a plain or messy state in much of this movie, but comes off as appealing and lovely as any of the well-known stars of the 30's. It's our loss that she didn't make more movies, especially if it's true there were once plans to pair her with Fred Astaire. That would have been a wonderful combination.