| A Date with a Dream | |
|---|---|
.jpg) | |
| Directed by | Dicky Leeman |
| Written by | Robert S. Baker Monty Berman Dicky Leeman Carl Nystrom |
| Produced by | Robert S. Baker Monty Berman |
| Starring | Terry-Thomas Jeannie Carson Len Lowe Bill Lowe |
| Cinematography | Monty Berman |
| Edited by | Anne Barker |
Production company | |
| Distributed by | Grand National Pictures |
Release date |
|
Running time | 55 minutes |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Language | English |
A Date with a Dream is a 1948 British musical comedy film directed by Dicky Leeman and starringTerry-Thomas,Jeannie Carson andWally Patch.[1][2] It was written byRobert S. Baker,Monty Berman, Leeman and Carl Nystrom. This was one of Terry-Thomas's earliest films and is reputedly partly based on his own experiences.[3] Terry-Thomas was yet to develop his cad persona, and a then little-knownNorman Wisdom appears in a very brief, non-speaking role. Its plot concerns a wartime group of musical entertainers who meet up a year after beingdemobbed and decide to reform their act.
When an Army concert party is disbanded after the war, they plan to meet up in a years time for a reunion. When they do they discover that all the various members aren't coping too well with civilian life. Jean, a singer who is staying in the same house as two of the ex-concert party members, suggests that the various members get back together to perform.[4]
A Date With A Dream was the first production ofTempean Films, a production company founded byMonty Berman andRobert S. Baker following their war service. Of the film, Baker later commented, "It didn't make us a penny, but it gave us a good introduction to the film business". Tempean would go on to produce many BritishB-movies throughout the 1950s and into the early 1960s.[5]
The Monthly Film Bulletin wrote: "This is an amateurish film which is very disjointed, with a weak story as a means of introducing various comedy acts and musical turns. These acts are good in their own sphere, but they do not constitute a good film. Terry Thomas is excellent in his inevitable way, and the music will appeal to those who like jazz."[6]
Kine Weekly wrote: "The team try hard to make good-humoured fun of theatrical folk – irascible managers, explosive booking agents, penniless artistes and suspicious landladies – but their gags lack originality and spontaneity. Noisy rather than laughable, the flm's strongest selling line is its British ticket."[7]
InTheRadio Times Guide to Films David Parkinson gave the film 2/5 stars, writing: "In only his second credited role, Terry-Thomas starred in this feeble comedy with brothers Len and Bill Lowe, playing the members of anENSA trio who reunite after the war to revive their hopes of showbiz success. The nightclub routines are pretty awful and director Dicky Leeman hasn't a clue how to structure a narrative. But Jean Carson spares everyone's blushes as the girl they all fall for, and Norman Wisdom makes his feature debut."[8]
Sky Movies wrote, "a sparkling performance from the young Terry-Thomas and a bright, sassy attitude saves this dated, rather choppy little filler item from the scrapheap of movie history. Worth a look for nostalgia buffs and curio collectors".[9]
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