Saloon Bar

A forgotten comedy-drama from Ealing that rarely puts a foot wrong as it deftly picks its way between a number of plot holes and pays no heed to the implausibilities of its storyline. Gordon Harker is on good form as a bookie who leads an investigation by the locals of a pub into the wrongful murder conviction of one of their locals (played by Martin Clunes' Dad) who is scheduled for execution the following day. Mervyn Johns quietly tries to steal the film as that staple of the British local - the regular with his own bar stool.

British character actors at their best. The wonderful Gordon Harker stands out as usual but there isn't a weak link in the cast. The story is okay but doesn't matter that much, it's all about the atmosphere and the cast. A real comedy drama with the accent on the comedy. Why don't the make films like this any more and thank you Talking Pictures for making so many available.

Supporting the rest of the reviews, this is a lovely little film, really worth watching (I've seen it twice). Indeed the story doesn't really matter, it is the pleasure of watching a tight knit cast who all seemed to be enjoying their work! Gordon Harker was brilliant as was Mervyn Johns, slightly out of the type of character he became better known for later in his career. There were no well known 'stars' just an ensemble of good character actors given a chance to shine.

The film, although released in 1940 is clearly set before the war as apart from anything else, all lights in the pubs were blazing away and there was no mention of the war and no sign of the blitz which started in September 1940.

A little light relief then and now!

From 1940, the British "Saloon Bar" takes place mostly in a couple of bars as characters work to save a friend from hanging. Their friend, Eddie (Alec Clunes), has been convicted of killing an old woman for her money. The money hasn't been found; however, a list of the serial numbers were submitted to pubs and stores.

One of the bills shows up at the bar. The group endeavors to find out where it came from - is that person perhaps the murderer?

Warm film that takes place around Christmastime and is complete with awful carolers, one of whom is little Roddy McDowall.

The cast includes Mervyn Johns, Gordon Harker, Roddy Hughes, Elizabeth Allan as the condemned man's girlfriend, Joyce Barbour, and Judy Campbell. Allan is quite beautiful - I wasn't really familiar with her until this film. The acting was all solid from veteran character actors.

Recommended.

Bought this great movie recently. It is out now on DVD and is one of the four movies on -"The Ealing Studios Rarities Collection - Volume 10". (The other 3 titles are: The Divided Heart, His Excellency & Let's Be Famous)

Network have done a terrific job on putting out this wonderful series of the lesser known movies from the Ealing Studio.

Don't miss this one. The period atmosphere is spot on. Anyone who knows the Salisbury pub in St Martin's Lane will feel right at home here. There are even roaring fires.

Gordon Harker and Mervyn Johns stand out in a superb cast and you will have great fun trying to work out Whodunnit!

It is presented here in a lovely, newly restored print too.

As I said before....DON'T miss this one !