Cast
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Violet Loraine
as Bessie Bolton
Gordon Harker
as Bert Bolton
Kay Hammond
as Pearl Bolton
John Mills
as Fred Bolton
Drusilla Wills
as Mrs. Wigglesworth
Walter Sondes
as Harold Hogarth
Glennis Lorimer
as Maud
Anthony Holles
as Guidobaldi
Joyce Kirby
as Joan
Gibb McLaughlin
as Westerbrook
Grethe Hansen
as Gwen
Wally Patch
as Harry
Ernest Sefton
as Publicity Man
Jane Cornell
as Fay
Cecil Ramage
as Producer
Crew
Director
- Sinclair Hill
Writer
- G.H. Moresby-White
- Ralph Stock
Producer
- Michael Balcon
Reviews
CinemaSerf
This is actually quite a cheery little feature that sees fish and chip shop owner "Bessie" (established theatre star Violet Loraine) aspire to become a film star. Fat chance thinks you! Well, as it happens she has a decent enough singing voice and when she is "discovered" by a local studio, her life with family "Bert" (Gordon Harker), "Pearl" (Kay Hammond) and "Fred" (John Mills) is suddenly all topsy-turvy. What makes this a little more memorable is that it demonstrates to an audience just how films were put together then - the filming, audio, lighting - and film was expensive stuff so much of this was live! Harker and Loraine have a conviviality to their characters that lends well to the gentle comedy very much of it's time: an amiable English combination of stoicism and opportunity - with a solid supporting cast. It has a charm to it this. That doesn't make it memorable or really even very good, but it had a job to do in 1930s Britain and I suspect it did it well enough to pack out the houses for eighty minutes on a Saturday afternoon.
Aug 29, 2022
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, Britannia of Billingsgate examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of a period setting that reflects societal issues of its time. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.
Director Sinclair Hill brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 1933, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Britannia of Billingsgate took approximately 32 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 80 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 126 minutes long.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 6 months to complete.
- Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
- The musical score contains over 39 unique compositions.
Historical Context
- In 1933, when this film was released:
- The civil rights movement was gaining momentum in the United States.
- Television was becoming a dominant form of home entertainment.
- The film industry was dominated by major studios, with independent cinema still in its early development.
How This Film Stands Out
Details
- Release Date: January 1, 1933
- Runtime: 1h 20m