Around the Town


Around the Town is a 1938 British musical comedy film directed by Herbert Smith and starring Vic Oliver, Irene Ware and Finlay Currie. It was written by Ingram D'Abbes and Fenn Sherie.

Synopsis

Struggling theatrical agent Ollie shows the American Norma Wyngold around the British songwriting scene.

Cast

The film was shot at Beaconsfield Studios outside London and distributed by British Lion Films.

Reception

The Monthly Film Bulletin wrote: "Jimmy Kennedy and Michael Carr, the Tin Pan Alley Trio, Three Hill Billies, the Rhythm Sisters sing, and Terry's Juveniles dance. No attempt is made to put these acts over with any skill, nor to weave out of them a coherent whole. The entertainment value of the revue depends then on the individual turns which are in the main good of their kind, and on Vic Oliver who works extremely hard. He puts over an unending flow of wisecracks, and displays a characteristic mixture of good humour and impudence."
Kine Weekly wrote: "Bright cheery screen musical revue introducing a formidable parade of popular variety, cabaret and radio talent. ... From the word go it is a merry romp, brilliantly compered by Vic Oliver. ... The plot on which the versatile talent hangs is, it must be admitted, somewhat slender, but thanks to the resource and versatility of Vic Oliver in the joint role of pivot and compere, it more than stands up to its responsibility."
Picturegoer wrote: "Vic Oliver comperes this screen revue very effectively and, in spite of the fact that the songs are not always new, it provides good entertainment of its type. The turns featured are introduced by a slight plot, in which Irene Ware and Finlay Currie support Vic Oliver, but in spite of its slightness, it serves well enough and gives some rhyme and reason for the various artistes appearing."
Picture Show wrote: "Whoeve thought of writing a screen play round Vic Oliver had a real brainwave, for that original and witty comedian has enough radio fans to make any film in which he appears a sure success. Not that this picture needs any such underpinning. It stands quite stoutly on its own legs. Not a pretentious picture in any way, it is good entertainment all the way through."