Thank Evans

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Thank Evans
"Thank Evans" (1938).jpg
Original Trade Ad Poster
Directed by Roy William Neill
Written by John Dighton
Edgar Wallace (novel)
Produced by Irving Asher
Starring Max Miller
Hal Walters
Albert Whelan
Cinematography Basil Emmott
Distributed by Warner Brothers-First National Productions
Release date
  • June 1938 (1938-06)
Running time
78 minutes
CountryUnited Kingdom
LanguageEnglish

Thank Evans is a 1938 British comedy film directed by Roy William Neill and starring Max Miller. [1] It was written by John Dighton based on the novel by Edgar Wallace. The film is sequel to Educated Evans (1936), with Miller, Hal Walters and Albert Whelan all returning to reprise their roles as the hapless horse racing tipster Evans, his pal Nobby and the bungling Sergeant Challoner.

Contents

Thank Evans is classed as "missing, believed lost", with only a one-minute fragment known to survive. [2]

Plot

Evans is once again down on his luck, and at the racecourse meeting a friendly and sympathetic Lord helps him out. Later Evans manages to repay the gentleman's kindness by exposing his horse trainer as a duplicitous con-merchant.

Cast

Reception

The Monthly Film Bulletin wrote: "This nonsensical story is very good fun of its kind. The direction is slick and resourceful, and the pace swift. Max Miller is in his element. He puts over a rapid stream of Cockney wisecracks, amusing patter and gags. His exuberance is unfailing and infectious. The crook melodrama of the stolen watch is entertaining burlesque, and the climax unadulterated slapstick. Hal Walters as Nobby makes an effective stooge, and the supporting players are competent." [3]

Kine Weekly wrote: "Ritous comedy of the turf, smoothly adapted from one of Edgar Wallace's famous 'Educated Evans' stories. The title-role is a made-to-measure one for Max Miller and he puts in some grand work. There is, of course, a good deal of talk and high-pressure talk at that, but the many lively Cockney cracks amplified by the star's terrific exuberance, more than amply compensates for occasional loss of physical action. The climax is excellent slapstick." [4]

The Daily Film Renter wrote: "Latest screen adventure of celebrated Wallace character, with Max Miller in top form as fast-talking audacious turf tipster... Star's cheeky personality is capitally exploited in role that keeps him in forefront of action from start to finish, and embraces brilliantly funny police court session that received Preview applause. Authentic racecourse backgrounds supply interesting locations, and production has attractive surface polish. Excellent light popular entertainent, with strong pull for vast Miller following." [5]

Picturegoer wrote: "I do not think that Max Miller is as well served with material in Thank Evans as he was in Educated Evans, but the picture is, nevertheless, a cheery one. ... It relies mainly on the star's ability to put over his quick-fire wisecracks, but it is also ingenious and comic in situations. Some of the jokes are rather near the knuckle, but they are broadly vulgar rather than suggestive. Max Miller holds the show together with his quick-fire patter, and he has an excellent foil in Hal Walters as Nobby, his tout." [6]

See also

References

  1. ↑ "Thank Evans". British Film Institute Collections Search. Retrieved 27 February 2026.
  2. ↑ "BFI | Film & TV Database | Thank Evans (1938)". BFI. Archived from the original on 22 January 2009. Retrieved 27 February 2026.
  3. ↑ "Thank Evans". The Monthly Film Bulletin . 5 (49): 132. 1 January 1938. ProQuest   1305802249.
  4. ↑ "Thank Evans". Kine Weekly . 255 (1620): 19. 5 May 1938. ProQuest   2339660906.
  5. ↑ "Thank Evans". The Daily Film Renter (3450): 7. 28 April 1938. ProQuest   2826341662.
  6. ↑ "Thank Evans". Picturegoer . 8: 28. 6 October 1938. ProQuest   1771121952.
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