Trouble Brewing (1939 film)

Last updated

Trouble Brewing
"Trouble Brewing" (1939 film).jpg
Poster, from UK trade advertisement
Directed by Anthony Kimmins
Written by
Produced by Jack Kitchin
Starring
Cinematography Ronald Neame
Edited by
  • Ernest Aldridge
  • Eric Williams
Music by Ernest Irving
Production
company
Distributed by Associated British
Release date
  • March 1939 (1939-03)
Running time
87 minutes
CountryUnited Kingdom
LanguageEnglish

Trouble Brewing is a 1939 British comedy film directed by Anthony Kimmins and starring George Formby, Googie Withers and Gus McNaughton. [1] [2] It was written by Michael Hogan, Angus MacPhail and Kimmins, based on a novel by Joan Butler.[ citation needed ]

Contents

It was made by Associated Talking Pictures, [3] and includes the songs "Fanlight Fanny" and "Hitting the Highspots Now". [4] The sets were designed by art director Wilfred Shingleton.

Plot summary

George Gullip is a Daily Sun compositor who wins a large sum at the races. He collects three ten-pound notes but, unable to spend them at the bar, exchanges them for six five-pound notes, which turn out to be counterfeit. Gullip is determined to find the criminals and in so doing goes "undercover" as a waiter and a wrestler, before various clues suggest the villain is Gullip's own boss at the newspaper. [5]

Cast

Critical reception

The Monthly Film Bulletin wrote: "George Formby has done it again, which is probably all that need be said about this joyous farce." [6]

Kine Weekly wrote: "Slapstick comedy and thousands of feet of undiluted laughter-making episodes, and, of course, George with his ukulele and his own inimitable way of putting his songs ove ... boisterous opportunities for side-splitting amusement." [7]

Picturegoer wrote: "It is enjoyable knockabout stuff ... George Formby gives a real piece of comedy characterization as well as singing and playing his uke. Gus McNaughton is good as Bill and Googie Withers makes an attractive and intelligent heroine." [8]

Picture Show wrote: "Gorgeously funny comedy, which is easily the best George Formby has given us. ... Outstanding comedy entertainment." [9]

TV Guide found the film an "enjoyable Formby vehicle". [4]

Sky Movies wrote, "the fun is as fast and furious in this incident-packed George Formby romp as in any film he made...Receipts foamed over at box-offices throughout Britain." [10]

See also

References

  1. "Trouble Brewing". British Film Institute Collections Search. Retrieved 12 November 2025.
  2. "BFI | Film & TV Database | TROUBLE BREWING (1939)". Ftvdb.bfi.org.uk. 16 April 2009. Archived from the original on 14 January 2009. Retrieved 13 March 2014.
  3. Wood p.99
  4. 1 2 "Trouble Brewing Review". Movies.tvguide.com. Archived from the original on 22 February 2014. Retrieved 13 March 2014.
  5. Kimmins, Anthony (24 July 1939), Trouble Brewing (Action, Comedy, Crime), George Formby, Googie Withers, Gus McNaughton, Associated Talking Pictures (ATP), retrieved 4 December 2023
  6. "Trouble Brewing". The Monthly Film Bulletin . 6 (61): 41. 1 January 1939. ProQuest   1305804020.
  7. "Trouble Brewing". Kine Weekly . 301 (1): 36. 19 March 1942. ProQuest   2835074474.
  8. "Trouble Brewing". Picturegoer . 9: 20. 6 July 1939. ProQuest   1771172642.
  9. "Trouble Brewing". Picture Show . 41 (1056): 19. 22 July 1939. ProQuest   1880304664.
  10. "Trouble Brewing - Sky Movies HD". Skymovies.sky.com. 6 November 2003. Archived from the original on 22 February 2014. Retrieved 13 March 2014.

Bibliography