Reggie_Tappolski

This movie is a stark reminder that teenagers of today live in a vastly different world to the one us baby boomers grew up in. Having said that, the problems encountered remain the same; self-esteem, relationships, acceptance.

I thought the father/daughter scene by the bonfire in the garden was incredibly moving and realistic. Elsie Fisher was outstanding in the lead role and Josh Hamilton as the often floundering father was very good too.

The smartphone - the greatest invention ever or one of the worst? It has certainly changed the way of the world. Sometimes I pine for the time it didn't exist whilst at the same time making sure it is with me 24x7 - go figure.

The opening credits of this movie feature some of the most evocative scenes of what is was like to be part of grass roots football in the 1970's. Grimy rooftops give way to a chugging freight train whose journey passes by a football ground where a game is taking place in an absolute quagmire. The ball should be white but is plastered in mud as are all the players. This is the way it used to be. Those from the locality will recognise the ground of Maidenhead United. Unfortunately that is the high point of the movie as thereafter it becomes a cheesy & predictable story of of a drunken ex-pro footballer who gets the opportunity to make good one last time. Actually, Ian McShane is very good in the role although his gait in the football action sequences is not that of a gifted footballer. Sam Kydd plays his father. Were there any British movies of that era Sam Kydd wasn't in?

As the only other review of this 1949 movie describes it as unfunny I thought I should add a review to counterbalance. No, your sides will not be aching from laughter but there is enough to admire to make it a worthwhile hour and a bit. Seeing Terry Thomas(hyphen less as this movie is that old) in one of his first leading roles is a joy. The ludicrous disguises he adopts in an attempt to solve the robberies suffered by Melody Club patrons are first rate. Moustaches get bigger and wider in an attempt to cover the gap in his teeth which his character refers to self-effacingly. His dinner with the wonderfully named General Blitzem gives TT an opportunity to demonstrate all the mannerisms we came to love from this talented comedian. Michael Balfour plays the bad guy with a delightful faux American gangster accent whilst his moll appears to be a early version of Daisy from Lee Mack's 'Not Going Out'.

I thank Talking Pictures TV for bringing this to the screen - if you appreciate Terry-Thomas this movie will not be a waste of your time.