Old Mother Riley, MP is a 1939 Britishcomedy film starringArthur Lucan andKitty McShane, which forms part of theOld Mother Riley series of films. The film's plot centres on Old Mother Riley standing for election to the House of Commons.
Concerning Old Mother Riley's fight against her landlord, and as a means of defeating a corrupt politician intent on demolishing her street and the local pub along with it, Mother Riley taking to thesoapbox. Local crowds cheer her on, and she finds herself elected toParliament, and eventually promoted toCabinet Minister for Strange Affairs.[2][3][4]
Mary Haberstroh writes in Britmovie, "“Old Mother Riley, MP” synthesizes slapstick comedy with malapropisms and everything in between to create one of the bestOld Mother Riley films...Lucan is credible as Old Mother Riley wanting to seek social equality for the poor and unemployed, andKitty McShane,Torin Thatcher, andHenry B. Longhurst turn in stellar performances in this comedy. The story itself is well written and continuous without any unexplained gaps in the plot, making it easy for the viewer to follow...The characters in the film could very well be real life figures who are trying to survive during the time ofthe Great Depression. “Old Mother Riley, MP” is a film that is sure to please anyone who appreciates classicBritish comedy."[4]
In britishpictures.com, David Absalom writes, "by any reasonable definition, this is not a good film. But the character (Old Mother Riley) is so watchable, so wonderfully manic, you enjoy the film despite its faults."[5]
TV Guide wrote, "graced with an insane plot...Nonsensical but full of laughs."[6]
^Chapman, Llewella. "'The highest salary ever paid to a human being': Creating a Database of Film Costs from the Bank of England".Journal of British cinema and television, 2022-10. Vol. 19, no. 4. Edinburgh University Press. p. 470-494 at 479.
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