Perhaps, I am a bit too young or a tad too American to appreciate the lukewarm reviews this movie has received here. This is my first exposure to Max Miller. Quite an energetic way he had. His presence could fill a room and leave everyone sitting. He must have been an amazing performer on the stage and I will never know, but I can attest to his wide talents with the tongue and wit.
This film was his last but I must say I was very impressed - I can just imagine how much better it might have been if the British censors and the British screenwriters could have allowed him to spread out.
The actual movie is a well-worn subject and the ending was, of course, predictable but, how we get to the end is the delight. Pure romantic comedy with a host of unique characters that charm the senses. Of course, on the down side, we are offered a few characters which would be frowned upon today. The use of black-face was a phenomena that we in this new century may never fully understand or appreciate. I allowed myself to overlook it's offense and instead enjoyed the farcical effect of their appearance.
This is not a masterpiece, no one will ever say that, but it was a lot of fun and if I did not understand the jokes or the regional or topical references, I did not let it bother me. The spectrum of British theater was primarily produced for the British audiences. They understood the jokes, and I will have to allow it's unique references to remain a mystery that only a deep understanding of the great British Isles will reward.
I recommend this romp... give it a try.