Many Georges around at this time, and this is probably the reason this film was renamed 'In the Nick of Time' in the UK, so to stop any confusion with British Comedy actor George Formby and his film which had the same title name. To call George Wallace 'the Australian George Formby' is unfair as Wallace appeared to have been treading the boards long before Formby as a comedian. Whereas Formby was a brilliant musician who later pitched his career in the movies. Wallace and his director Ken Hall are little known outside Australia, and that is shame and was presumably purely due to the logistics of pre and post war Australia with respect to the rest of the world? Unlike some Formby's films, this film does have touch of genius in with the slapstick, that begins inside Wallace's elaborate alarm clock and ends with an interesting chase sequence through pre-war Sydney. There is really no excuse now for Australia not presenting Wallace's comedy to the rest of the world.
2 Reviews
Go on! Let him!
JohnHowardReid5 October 2017
Warning: Spoilers
One of my favorite Formby outings even though he departs somewhat from his usual formula into a flight of pure fancy for the finale. As the plot progresses, he also becomes much less boobish than usual. Here he's even quick-witted and, would you believe it, daring?
Nonetheless, it's still a most engaging film. Part of the reason lies with Varnel's clever, fast-paced direction, part with the movie's prodigious budget (enabling cameraman Ronald Neame to bring off some marvelous effects), but mostly with the fact that the new more adventurous George in the middle and final sections of the movie is just as engaging (perhaps more so) that the personable, but slow- witted dope of the opening scenes.
What's more, no matter what persona is on-screen, George is a whiz with the musical numbers. And the four songs we enjoy here all number among the ten best he ever wrote. In fact, "Mr Wu's a Window Cleaner Now" would probably rate as the world's favorite Formby turn. Opinions would differ as to number two, but my pick would be "Grand-dad's Night Shirt".
As for the film itself, some of the stunt-work is incredible, and the support cast is absolutely top-drawer. Coral Browne is a wow as the vamping spy, Phyllis Calvert delivers one of her most ingratiating performances, while Garry Marsh enhances the best role of his career.
Nonetheless, it's still a most engaging film. Part of the reason lies with Varnel's clever, fast-paced direction, part with the movie's prodigious budget (enabling cameraman Ronald Neame to bring off some marvelous effects), but mostly with the fact that the new more adventurous George in the middle and final sections of the movie is just as engaging (perhaps more so) that the personable, but slow- witted dope of the opening scenes.
What's more, no matter what persona is on-screen, George is a whiz with the musical numbers. And the four songs we enjoy here all number among the ten best he ever wrote. In fact, "Mr Wu's a Window Cleaner Now" would probably rate as the world's favorite Formby turn. Opinions would differ as to number two, but my pick would be "Grand-dad's Night Shirt".
As for the film itself, some of the stunt-work is incredible, and the support cast is absolutely top-drawer. Coral Browne is a wow as the vamping spy, Phyllis Calvert delivers one of her most ingratiating performances, while Garry Marsh enhances the best role of his career.
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