The film follows a group of performers who club together to buy a bus and travel around the country doing shows after they are cheated out of money by an ex-manager.
Plot
After being swindled by their manager, Gracie Fields' concert party, the Keep Smiling Troupe, is in financial difficulty. They are rescued after a chance meeting, via his dog, with renowned pianist Rene Sidani, whose appearance attracts the crowds to their show at a seaside pavilion.
It was the second film made by Fields under her contract with 20th Century-Fox, and was made at Pinewood Studios[3] with sets designed by the art directorOscar Friedrich Werndorff. It was retitled Smiling Along to avoid confusion with another film with the same name, released by Fox in America the same year, and starring Jane Withers.
Fields' salary was £50,000 making her the best paid British based film star of the 1930s.[4]
Reception
The Monthly Film Bulletin wrote: "Whether she is dancing in a sinking houseboat, knocking people over the head in a fun fair or singing – with an unexpected beauty and dignity – the anthem in a little country church she is always "Our Gracie", the darling of the North. To support her the film contains humour, reasonably catchy tunes and moments of sentiment here and there as seasoning. The photography is excellent and there is a wholesome freshness about the whole picture which is very pleasant."[5]
Kine Weekly wrote: "The picture is... nothing more nor less than Gracie Fields. There are no supporting artistes of particular note and nothing particularly outstanding in treatment or presentation. All it's got the star gives. The obvious and only summing up is, therefore, cast-iron light entertainment for Gracie Fields' fans."[6]
Picturegoer wrote: "You can get a smile now and then, but it is rarely that it develops into a hearty laugh. Gracie Fields' personality and singing are the film's main assets, but it is a pity that her talent should not have a wider scope."[7]
Picture Show wrote: "Gracie Fields returns to comedy and gives a typical performance. The film gives the star plenty of opportunity to display her comedy talent and to sing everything from broad comedy numbers to "The Holy City." She has a good supporting cast headed by Roger Livesey."[8]
References
↑ Chapman, Llewella. "'The highest salary ever paid to a human being': Creating a Database of Film Costs from the Bank of England". Journal of British cinema and television, 2022-10. Vol.19, no.4. Edinburgh University Press. p.470-494 at 487.
↑ "Keep Smiling". British Film Institute Collections Search. Retrieved 12 November 2025.
↑ Chapman, Llewella. "'The highest salary ever paid to a human being': Creating a Database of Film Costs from the Bank of England". Journal of British cinema and television, 2022-10. Vol.19, no.4. Edinburgh University Press. p.470-494 at 483.
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