Main Cast: Jessie Matthews, Edmund Gwenn, John Gielgud, Mary Glynne, Max Miller, Percy Parsons
Release Year: 1933
Country: UK
Run Time: 110 minutes
Plot
Based on a novel by J. B. Priestley, this British musical-comedy follows an unlikely trio as they try to revive the fortunes of a floundering touring theatrical troupe. Inigo Jolifant (John Gielgud) is a schoolteacher with a talent for songwriting, and Jess Oakroyd (Edmund Gwenn) is a man with theatrical ambitions who has just lot his job. Together, they persuade Miss Trant (Mary Glynne), an older single woman looking for adventure, to back them as they try to bring "The Dinky Do's" back into the spotlight. Susie Dean (Jessie Matthews) is a chorus girl who dreams of stardom, and when she's made the new leader of the show, it looks as if her dreams may finally become a reality. The Good Companions is buoyed by the superb singing and dancing talents of Matthews, who was considered one of the screen's greatest musical stars in England and Europe, though she inexplicably never achieved the same fame in the United States; Gielgud also got a rare opportunity to display his vocal abilities in this film. Keep your eyes peeled for Jack Hawkins and horror film great George Zucco, who both appear in supporting roles. ~ Mark Deming, All Movie Guide
Review
Although a big success when originally released (and remade several times), The Good Companions has not held up particularly well over the years and is of primary interest for its cast. One of the cinema's many backstage musicals, Companions has a plot the elements that have been used time and again, from a chorus girl determined to be a star to a nascent songwriter who falls for her. The screenplay does win a few points, however, for the manner in which it introduces its characters, and the result is that the true star of the picture is not obvious for quite some time. The musical numbers, including "Three Wishes," "I'll Be Happy," and "Lucky for Me," are pleasant and diverting, but hardly striking or original. Fortunately, Jessie Matthews figures prominently in many of the songs, giving them a great boost. Although never a great star abroad, Matthews was beloved by the British public, and it's easy to see why. She positively sparkles, and even when her acting comes across as rather broad, she manages to be appealing. The chance to see a very young John Gielgud in a musical is another drawing card; although he's not exactly at ease in the role, he actually handles it quite well. Even better is the delightful Edmund Gwenn, whose gentle portrayal gathers in strength and helps to anchor the film. These and the other members of the cast make Companions worth catching. ~ Craig Butler, All Movie Guide
A.W. Baskcomb - Jimmy Nunn; Dennis Hoey - Joe Brundit; Viola Compton - Mrs. Brundit; Richard Dolman - Jerry Jemingham; Margery Binner - Elsie; Henry Ainley - Narrator; Muriel Aked - Vicar's Wife; Ivor Barnard - Eric Tipstead; John Burch; D.A. Clarke-Smith - Ridvers; Jane Cornell; Finlay Currie - Monte Mortimer; Gilbert Davis; Annie Esmond - Mrs. Tarvin; Ben Field - Mr. Droke; Barbara Gott - Big Annie; Lawrence Hanray - Mr. Tarvin; Jack Hawkins - Albert; Harold Meade; Wally Patch - Driver; Frank Pettingell - Sam Oglethorpe; Frederick Piper; Olive Sloane - Effie; Cyril Smith - Leonard Oakroyd; J. Fisher White - Vicar; Margaret Yarde - Mrs. Mounder; George Zucco - Fauntley; John Clifford; Hugh E. Wright - Librarian; Mike Johnson; Pollie Emery - Miss Thong; Mai Bacon; Mignon O'Doherty; Henry Adnes; Alec Fraser - Dr. MacFarlane; Florence Gregson - Mrs. Oakroyd; Arnold Riches - Hilary; Daphne Scorer
