Instantly recognisable by his stern visage, precariously perched pince-nez spectacles, sceptical squint and indignant sniff, Will Hay specialised in the portrayal of vaguely seedy, incompetent professionals, battling to maintain a shaky dignity at all costs. A unique performer, he made arguably the funniest and most enduring British comedy films of the 1930s and early 1940s.
Hay, in private life a serious amateur astronomer, came to prominence on stage as ‘The Schoolmaster Comedian’. His act saw him attempt to disguise his own ignorance in the classroom, whilst harassed by an absurdly old pupil and an insolent fat boy. This persona of the inept professional, apparently inspired by mannerisms of Hay’s schoolmistress sister, was extended onscreen into other areas of responsibility. More a superb comic actor than a clown, the strength of Hay’s characterisation meant that his transfer from stage to screen was an effective one.
At the Gainsborough Studio, Hay’s pompous bluffer was hilariously confounded by bewhiskered old boy Harbottle (Moore Marriott) and podgy, cheeky whippersnapper Albert (Graham Moffatt), producing excellent comedies, including the railway based Oh, Mr. Porter! (1937). Later, at Ealing Studios, Hay gradually attempted to change his comic style, before ill health ended his career.
Though top billed, Hay is not the star of Radio Parade of 1935, which is more of an assortment of variety ‘turns’, ranging from the Western Brothers through to Stanelli and His Hornchestra, linked by a mild spoof of BBC broadcasting. This curious film provides an unusual role for an uncharacteristically dapper Hay.
The Ghost Of St. Michael’s (1941), by contrast, is a very representative selection. Hay’s first film at Ealing is closest in spirit to his Gainsborough classics, and sees him brilliantly reprise his schoolmaster role in a creepy Scottish castle setting. Moffatt and Marriott are much missed, but Hay is ably supported by Claude Hulbert and Charles Hawtrey.
The Black Sheep of Whitehall (1941) teams Hay with John Mills. Hay, in one unforgettable sequence, poses as an economics expert, giving a splendidly illogical monologue on the intricacies of international trade.
Of interest both to the aficionado and the more casual viewer, this boxset showcases precious material, familiar and obscure, from Hay’s rich filmic legacy.
A collection of three films starring the legendary comedian Will Hay. Features Radio Parade of 1935, a musical comedy starring the cream of British variety acts of the era, for many of whom this is the only film record of their acts, The Ghost of St Michael's (1941) in which Hay plays a hapless teacher who takes a post in a grim Scottish school haunted by a bagpiper whose playing presages the death of a member of staff, and The Black Sheep of Whitehall (1942) in which Hay is a professor trying to root out a Nazi spy.
Aficionados of the much-loved vintage comic Will Hay will be pleased by this collection, which gathers together three hard-to-see items showcasing the man's impeccable... more >
Aficionados of the much-loved vintage comic Will Hay will be pleased by this collection, which gathers together three hard-to-see items showcasing the man's impeccable comic timing: The Ghost of St Michael's, Radio Parade of 1935 and The Black Sheep of Whitehall. The latter film takes Hay rather far from the supporting cast and directors with which he produced his best work. Still, cherishable stuff -- and fans will not hesitate. < less
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Will Hay Collection (Comic Icons)
