Having now seen all the George Formby movies, I’d say these are my “top 10”, in order of excellence and cohesiveness. I was seeing all but one of them for the first time, since I don’t think they were shown on TV when I was growing up, and it appears it took a long while for them to be released to retail on DVD.
1. Let George Do It! (1940)
The most cohesive film. A wartime spy story, fast-paced and also very funny.
2. He Snoops to Conquer (1945)
The war is over and reconstruction is in the air in a little northern town. Excellent story of a little local man against a corrupt town council, with the aid of a very eccentric local inventor.
3. Come On George! (1939)
A horse-racing stables story, made all the more charming because of George’s knack with horses. He had spent his middle-childhood and early teens as a child jockey in Ireland. Somewhat spoiled by the juvenile supporting actor, but not much — all George’s films were perfectly cast, but not in this one case.
4. Keep Your Seats, Please (1936)
Grandma leaves her money to George in a very unconventional way, to avoid it going to grasping relatives. A bit episodic, due to the nature of the plot, but a fine entertainment.
5. Get Cracking (1943)
It’s basically Dad’s Army with George and a home-made tank, and this time George has excellent juvenile support. It helps to know the historical context: Princess Elizabeth (later Queen) was then doing war service working as a vehicle mechanic.
6. George in Civvy Street (1946)
George returns from war to find the pub he’s inherited run down and in need of reviving. A bit too ‘slick’ and stage-y, and you can tell it was made partly with an American audience in mind.
7. I Didn’t Do It (1945)
A little bit more of a serious drama, but with plenty of superb supporting comedy-drama actors. A boarding-house murder-mystery, well filmed.
8. It’s in the Air (1938)
George in the Royal Air Force. Often a bit too manic and fast-paced, as was the way in the late 1930s, but good entertainment.
9. Feather Your Nest (1937)
Young love on the hire-purchase, hindered at every step by a gorgon of a mother-in-law. Centers on the classic song “Leaning on a Lamp-post”.
10. No Limit (1935)
His big breakthrough, as a TT racer on the Isle of Man. Often said to be his best, and since my grandfather was a TT racer it has personal appeal for me. But on third viewing it really doesn’t hold up well, compared to the others. Which is why it’s number 10 on my list.
There are plenty of others after that. Possibly also add Spare a Copper (1940), with George mis-cast as a policeman (usually he was physically attacking them) and the film obviously a quota-quickie aimed at the export income from an American audience. But you may think it worth it simply for the hilarious line “Listen Matilta, a weasel!” during a madcap chase scene.
