Over She Goes

It's a shame that Stanley Lupino and Laddie Cliff are so forgotten today (maybe it's because they both died young). Watching this film, you could see why they were once so popular. This movie is an adaptation of a highly successful stage play in London (at the start of the final song, images of a theatre and audience are superimposed over Lupino's face). The plot moves along swiftly, filled with absurd situations, romantic shenanigans, witty one-liners, and lively songs. It's popular entertainment from a bygone age, but it's still so accessible and fun. I was still humming the songs long after watching the film.

If anyone wanted to know what watching a west end show in the 1930s is like well in my view this is as near the experience as you are likely to get.It is likable and at the same time forgettable.Its humour and the performances are an epitome of the era.It is not widely seen,maybe because all of the English leads are long forgotten.Clearly trying to get a foot in the all important American market by having the equivalent of a modern day celebrity,Max Baer,in the cast.A common feature of British musicals of the 30s.However the best moment in this film is the number"side by side".It has clever lyrics and with the actors and camera going a whole 360 degrees whilst performing the song whilst moving in unison.A real show stopper.Worth seeing if only for this number.

Although today almost entirely forgotten, thirties song & dance man Stanley Lupino - father of Ida - was a major draw on the West End at that time.

'Over She Goes' is probably the best example of the sort of light-hearted escapism that got audiences through the Great Depression, in which Lupino made his name.

Directed by Graham Cutts - once considered a major talent - the highlight is probably the jaunty musical number 'Side by Side' in which the gentlemen join the ladies for multiple pirouettes attired for horse riding.

Despite the rather mundane setting the energy of the participants is absolutely disarming.