Sailing Along

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.

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.

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.

God, how I wish this team had been doing the Astaire-Rogers movies in the same era. Wonderful, risque script and a gorgeously funny leading lady.

"Sailing Along" is an entertaining comedy musical with Jessie Matthews in the lead. One thing that makes this film stand out is one of her co-stars, Jack Whiting. He sings and dances, and the two have a smashing lengthy finale. The story has a somewhat goofy plot, but a good one, with another male co-star, Barry MacKay. But the best part of this is the music and dancing that provides a look at the very talented Whiting. Like Matthews, Whiting was also a stage actor and performer. But he made only a handful of films and had a few TV appearances. He worked mostly on the stage and performed in many musicals on Broadway and a few in London.

This movie was made while Whiting had gone to London with his wife for a regal celebration and festivities. They stayed a year or so. I'm glad they did, and that he made this film, because it's the best one that showcases his talents. The Philadelphia-born American was likened at times to Fred Astaire for his dancing. While his numbers are very good in this film, I don't think he could quite match Astaire. But, Whiting had a very good baritone voice, and he sang as much or more than he danced on the stage. He also made recordings

Jessie Matthews is always entertaining and does very well in this film. While the film is a comedy musical, and the comedy is good, it's just in small doses compared to most of the films that Matthews made. The rest of the cast are fine in their roles. Alastair Sim is a hoot in any comedy he is in, as he is here, in just a small amount of screen time Roland Young is okay as the person who pulls the musical aspects of the film together. Athene Seyler as his sister, Victoria Gulliver, is quite good. Barry MacKay's role takes a back seat to Whiting's, but his is mostly for the comedy, and that's as it should be.

By the third decade of the 21st century, I doubt anyone would be around yet who might have seen Matthews or Whiting on the stage. And, but for the live theatre patrons and clients of their time, few movie fans would have even known about Whiting. I am in that group; but through musicals like this I have been able to see performers who were quite prominent in the past. And, I enjoy then reading more about the lives and careers of those very good entertainers

Movie buffs who especially enjoy musicals, and comedy fans too, should enjoy this film. Matthews plays Kay Martin, MacKay is Steve Barnes, Whiting is Dicky Randall and Roland Young is Anthony Gulliver. Here are some favorite lines from the movie.

Kay Martin, "I know you wan me to be a lady, but I do so want to go on the stage, just to show Steve. He's so sure of himself." Victoria Gulliver, "That's a great quality in a man." Kay, "And awfully hard on a woman."

Kay Martin, "Today I smell grease paint for the first time. I hope it's not the last."

Sylvester, inhaling deeply, "Mmmm, I love the smell of the theatre. I'd like to paint it - the smell, not the theatre. Anthony Gulliver, "Uh huh. To think it's all mine - the theatre, I mean, not the smell."

Victoria Gulliver, "I don't trust this theatre business. It always leads to trouble. A Gaiety Girl was almost Anthony's mother. All in all, he nearly had six different mothers form six different theaters before he finally arrived."