Saloon Baris a 1940 Britishcomedy thrillerfilm directed byWalter Fordeand starringGordon Harker,Elizabeth AllanandMervyn Johns.[1]It was made byEaling Studiosand its style has led to comparisons with the laterEaling Comedies,unlike other wartime Ealing films which are different in tone.[2]It is based on the 1939play of the same namebyFrank Harveyin which Harker had also starred.[3]An amateur detective tries to clear an innocent man of a crime before the date of his execution.
| Saloon Bar | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Directed by | Walter Forde |
| Written by | John Dighton Angus MacPhail |
| Based on | Saloon BarbyFrank Harvey |
| Produced by | Michael Balcon Culley Forde |
| Starring | Gordon Harker Elizabeth Allan Mervyn Johns |
| Cinematography | Ronald Neame |
| Edited by | Ray Pitt |
| Music by | Ernest Irving |
Production company | |
| Distributed by | Associated British Film Distributors |
Release date |
|
Running time | 76 minutes |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Language | English |
Plot
editThe action takes place in London over one evening in thesaloon barof the Cap & Bells pub, just before Christmas. The regulars discuss the forthcoming execution for robbery and murder of the boyfriend of one of the barmaids. A pound note from the robbery is found in the till. Convinced of the condemned man's innocence, and led bybookieJoe Harris, they trace how the note came to be there and unmask the true killer.
Cast
edit- Gordon Harkeras Joe Harris
- Elizabeth Allanas Queenie
- Mervyn Johnsas Wickers
- Joyce Barbouras Sally
- Anna Konstamas Ivy
- Cyril Raymondas Harry Small
- Judy Campbellas Doris
- Al Millen as Fred
- Norman Pierceas Bill Hoskins
- Alec Clunesas Eddie Graves
- Mavis Villiersas Joan
- Felix Aylmeras Mayor
- O. B. Clarenceas Sir Archibald
- Aubrey Dexteras Major
- Helena Pickardas Mrs Small
- Manning Whileyas evangelist
- Laurence Kitchin as Peter
- Roddy Hughesas doctor
- Gordon Jamesas Jim
- Annie Esmondas Mrs. Truscott
- Eliot Makehamas meek man
- Roddy McDowallas boy
- Julie Suedoas Eleanor
- Torin Thatcheras Mr. Garrod
Production
editThe film's sets were designed by theart directorWilfred Shingleton.
Critical reception
editKine Weeklysaid "Gordon Harker is the chief spokesman and has never been in better form; neither has the well-chosen supporting cast. The direction, too, reveals no little resource. What action there is, is not only well timed, but contributes to an exciting climax. As for the" pub "atmosphere, it will warm the heart of every man and, maybe, every woman. In all, a capital and refreshingly English novelty thriller."[4]
InBritish Sound Films: The Studio Years 1928–1959David Quinlanrated the film as "good", writing: "Verbose but winning mixture of mystery and comedy, with nice pub atmosphere."[5]
TheRadio TimesGuide to Filmsgave the film 3/5 stars, writing: "Gordon Harker was a familiar face in British thrillers during the 1930s, his mournful expression and throaty cockney accent enabled him to play characters on either side of the law. In this engaging Ealing whodunnit, he has a fine old time as a bookie playing detective in his local. Director Walter Forde makes effective use of the claustrophobic set to build tension, and he is well served by an efficient cast of suspects."[6]
Leslie Halliwellsaid: "Amusing, well-made little suspenser from a West End success."[7]
References
edit- ^"Saloon Bar".British Film Institute Collections Search.Retrieved15 November2023.
- ^Murphy, Robert (1992).Realism and Tinsel: Cinema and Society in Britain 1939-48.Routledge.pp. 209–210.ISBN978-0415076845.
- ^"Production of Saloon Bar | Theatricalia".theatricalia.com.
- ^"Saloon Bar".Kine Weekly.280(1729): 10. 6 June 1940 – via ProQuest.
- ^Quinlan, David (1984).British Sound Films: The Studio Years 1928–1959.London:B.T. Batsford Ltd.p. 244.ISBN0-7134-1874-5.
- ^Radio Times Guide to Films(18th ed.). London:Immediate Media Company.2017. p. 800.ISBN9780992936440.
- ^Halliwell, Leslie (1989).Halliwell's Film Guide(7th ed.). London: Paladin. p. 878.ISBN0586088946.