| Brass Monkey | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Directed by | Thornton Freeland dialogue director Denny Freeman |
| Written by | Alec Coppel additional dialogue William Freshman Vernon Sylvaine Robert Buckland |
| Based on | an original story byAlec Coppel Thornton Freeland |
| Produced by | N.A. Bronsten associate John R. Sloan |
| Starring | Carroll Levis Carole Landis Herbert Lom |
| Cinematography | Basil Emmott |
| Edited by | David Hawkins |
| Music by | Dr.Bernard Grun |
| Distributed by | United Artists |
Release date |
|
Running time | 100 min. |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Language | English |
Brass Monkey (also known asThe Lucky Mascot) is a 1948 British comedy thriller film with musical asides, directed byThornton Freeland.[1] It starsCarroll Levis, a radio variety show host and talent scout (known as "Britain's favourite Canadian")[citation needed] and American actressCarole Landis in her last film. It features an early appearance by comic actorTerry-Thomas, playing himself.[2]
Though made in 1948,Brass Monkey was not released in the US until 1951.[3][4]
Popular radio presenterCarroll Levis, and Kay Sheldon find themselves entangled in a web of smuggling and murder. When a priceless "brass monkey" is stolen from a Japanese temple and smuggled into England, Levis encounters the eccentric Mr. Ryder-Harris, a Buddhist art connoisseur who's chasing the artefact, and will apparently stop at nothing to get it. The monkey is missing and suspicious murders are being committed in the hunt for its retrieval. With the help of theDiscoveries radio talent, Levis attempts to avoid murderous henchmanHerbert Lom, and foil Mr. Ryder-Harris's plans. Amongst all the mayhem, an array of musical and comedy performers audition for and appear onThe Levis Hour, the hero's weekly radio programme.[2][3][5][6]
Landis arrived in England to make the film in August 1947.[7] Landis reportedly said that she encouraged the English actors to speak more slowly so that U.S. audiences could understand them.[8]
The Monthly Film Bulletin wrote: "A mixture of variety acts and thriller, amateurishly made."[9]
In a contemporary review,The Geraldton Guardian called the film a "well told story."[6]
TheRadio Times Guide to FilmsTony Sloman gave the film 2/5 stars, writing: "This is a bizarre combination of aSaki-esque parable and a vehicle for radio talent scout Carroll Levis."[10]
Time Out called the film a "ramshackle support feature", and concluded it was "a curio, but not really a collectible."[11]
Sky Movies wrote, "a rough (very rough) and tumble British comedy-thriller spun round the then popular shows featuring Carroll Levis. ... Not much as a film ... But of undoubted interest for its extraordinary cast."[12]
