South American George
| South American George | |
|---|---|
.jpg) Opening titles | |
| Directed by | Marcel Varnel |
| Written by |
|
| Produced by | |
| Starring | |
| Cinematography | Arthur Crabtree |
| Edited by | Edward B. Jarvis |
| Music by | Harry Bidgood |
Production company | Columbia British Productions |
| Distributed by | Columbia Pictures Corporation |
Release date |
|
Running time | 92 minutes |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Language | English |
| Box office | £135,168 (UK)[1] |
South American George is a 1941 British black-and-white comedy film directed by Marcel Varnel and starring George Formby in a dual role, Linden Travers, Enid Stamp-Taylor, Felix Aylmer, Ronald Shiner, Mavis Villiers and Herbert Lomas.[2][3] It was written by Leslie Arliss, Norman Lee and Austin Melford, and was produced by Columbia (British) Productions. The film was re-released in 1947.[4]
Synopsis
A press agent hurries to bring in a substitute after a South American opera star flops. A lookalike takes over from the tenor, but chaos ensues when the bogus singer finds himself hunted by paid assassins.[5]
Cast
- George Formby as George Butters / Gilli Vanetti
- Linden Travers as Carole Dean
- Enid Stamp-Taylor as Frances Martinique
- Jacques Brown as Enrico Richardo
- Felix Aylmer as Mr Appleby
- Ronald Shiner as Swifty
- Alf Goddard as Slappy
- Gus McNaughton as George White
- Mavis Villiers as Mrs Durrant
- Herbert Lomas as Mr Butters
- Cameron Hall as Muriel George
- Eric Clavering as Mr Durrant
- Beatrice Varley as Mrs Butters
Reception
The Monthly Film Bulletin wrote: "The film opens on a quiet note but under competent direction it quickly develops into an amusing, and at times extremely funny, comedy. George Formby in a dual releis at the top of his form, and the versatile way in which he switches from the simple Lancashire lad, George, to the temperamental opera star, Vannetti, will delight his admirers."[6]
The Daily Film Renter wrote: "George Formby in another typical spot of bother. Characteristic songs, broad humour and feminine entanglements. ... Weak situations and lack of strong support glossed over by star's disarming high-spirits and general verve of proceedings. Passable direction. Dependable booking for the star's vast following, registering on stellar billing and care-free away-from-the-war non-sensicalities."[7]
According to TV Guide, "Formby's comic talents give the unlikely story a few fun moments, though the film is for the most part a hit-and-miss effort".[8]
References
- ↑ James Chapman ‘The Billings verdict’: Kine Weekly and the British Box Office, 1936–62' Journal of British Cinema and Television, Volume 20 Issue 2, Page 200-238, p 211
- ↑ "South American George". British Film Institute Collections Search. Retrieved 5 July 2026.
- ↑ "South American George (1941)". BFI. Archived from the original on 13 February 2018.
- ↑ "South American George". The Daily Film Renter (5582): 9. 7 August 1947. ProQuest 2600910607.
- ↑ "South American George SOUTH AMERICAN GEORGE (1941)". Ftvdb.bfi.org.uk. 16 April 2009. Archived from the original on 14 January 2009. Retrieved 22 February 2014.
- ↑ "South American George". The Monthly Film Bulletin. 8 (85): 162. 1 January 1941. ProQuest 1305811192.
- ↑ "South American George". The Daily Film Renter (4205): 11. 1 December 1941. ProQuest 3327059880.
- ↑ "South American George Trailer, Reviews and Schedule for South American George | TVGuide.com". Movies.tvguide.com. Archived from the original on 22 February 2014. Retrieved 22 February 2014.