Main Cast: Peter Noone, Keith Hopwood, Derek Leckenby, Karl Green, Barry Whitwam
Release Year: 1968
Country: UK
Run Time: 95 minutes
Plot
This musical comedy stars Herman's Hermits, the popular British pop group that made the title song from the movie a million-selling hit record. Herman (Peter Noone) inherits a greyhound and decides to enter the dog in the races. The dog, appropriately named Mrs. Brown, and the group travel from Manchester to London in hopes of entering a national invitational. The group finds work as a pop group (quite a stretch) as Herman falls for the girl next door. The group sings nine songs including the title track and the romantic tune "There's A Kind Of Hush." Herman's Hermits were much more popular in America than they ever were in England. Peter Noone later developed into a competent actor. The original group toured together until 1976. Guitarist Derek Leckenby and drummer Barry Whitwam continued to tour as Herman's Hermits into the 1990s on the oldies circuit. Noone has appeared in several films and television shows and also delivers his string of nostalgia in concert. ~ Dan Pavlides, All Movie Guide
Review
Mrs. Brown, You've Got a Lovely Daughter could never be called a good musical, but it does have a certain small attraction. To start with, there are the Herman's Hermits songs, fine examples of 1960s-era bubblegum, with one or two (such as "There's a Kind of Hush") that actually are pretty solid examples of good pop songwriting. Then there's leader Peter Noone, an amiable sort who once explained his appeal by stating "I give good nerd" -- a very apt appraisal. Noone is not much of an actor here (and, to tell the truth, not a singer for the ages either), but he's winsome and sincere. Add to that some location lensing in Manchester and London, an occasional period dress or hairdo, and some fine support from Stanley Holloway and you could almost have a pretty average film -- if it weren't for the truly banal screenplay and Saul Swimmer's limp direction. Mrs. Brown isn't campy or silly enough to overcome its limitations, but it does have enough energy and charm to make it worth a quick glance. ~ Craig Butler, All Movie Guide
