Peg of Old Drury

Anyone who claims that anything directed by an 'auteur' is automatically more worthy of your time than a film by a mere 'metteur en scene' should be forced to spend all eternity watching 'A Song is Born' and 'Donovan's Reef' at least three times a day.

Having endured so many dreary films directed by Herbert Wilcox, I am prepared to concede him at least two decent films: this and 'Laughing Anne' (1953). I saw 'Nell Gwynn' (1934) about twenty-five years ago and was very unimpressed with it; and and have always been more interested in seeing this. Today I finally got my wish and it proved a double-whammy: a sequel better than the original and an enjoyable film by Mr Wilcox. It can happen!

Herbert Wilcox assembled a pretty strong cast for this historical romance. Anna Neagle is the eponymous "Peg" who comes to London from Ireland with her beau "Michael" (Jack Hawkins). He promptly dumps her and she decides to make a career on the stage. With the assistance of impresario David Garrick (Sir Cedric Hardwicke) she becomes an huge success wowing crowds at the famous "Theatre Royal" in Drury Lane - and enticing Garrick to fall for her... Her success brings back the now unwanted attentions of her erstwhile beau and also some serious health issues at which point the story becomes a touch too melodramatic. It is fortunate that much of this is set in/around the theatre as the performances are very much in that mould - intentionally or not. Small sets, narrow-focus photography and jauntily composed music keep this jolly drama rolling along well enough, though the dialogue meanders at times. There are some quite decent visual effects here, for 1935, too.