The Gay Dog
| The Gay Dog | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Directed by | Maurice Elvey |
| Produced by | Ernest Gartside |
| Written by |
Peter Rogers Joseph Colton (play) |
| Starring |
Wilfred Pickles Petula Clark Megs Jenkins |
| Music by | Edwin Astley |
| Cinematography | James Wilson |
| Edited by | Stanley Willis |
Production company | |
| Distributed by | Eros Films (UK) |
Release dates |
|
Running time | 87 minutes |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Language | English |
The Gay Dog is a 1954 British comedy film directed by Maurice Elvey and starring Wilfred Pickles, Petula Clark and Megs Jenkins.[1] It was filmed at Southall Studios, and features Petula Clark singing "A Long Way to Go", written by Joe Henderson and Leslie Clark (Petula's father).[2]
Plot
A miner's family acquire ownership of a greyhound, "Raving Beauty", which they plan to enter into a race. Jim Gay, the father, plans to get a better starting price for the dog by pretending it is ill, in order to lengthen its odds and clean up at the bookies. But keeping up the pretence with his wife, daughter, the whole street and the hardened gamblers played by Jon Pertwee and Peter Butterworth, is no easy task.[3][4]
Cast
- Wilfred Pickles - Jim Gay
- Petula Clark - Sally Gay
- Megs Jenkins - Maggie Gay
- Harold Goodwin - Bert Gay
- Nuna Duvey - Minnie Gay
- Miles Coleman - Gay Dog
- John Blythe - Peter Nightingale
- Margaret Barton - Peggy Gowland
- William Russell- Leslie Gowland
- Cyril Raymond - Vicar
- Peter Butterworth - Betting Man
- Jon Pertwee - Betting Man
Critical reception
- 'TV Guide' wrote, "comic situations abound but fall far short in the execution, which is surprising coming from eminently competent director Elvey." [5]
- 'Monthly Film Bulletin' wrote in 1954, "this unimaginative film version of Wilfred Pickles' stage success has gained little from the transference, apart from the use of authentic locations which give an impression of realism. Wilfred Pickles presents an interesting character study of a hard-working miner, whilst retaining his customary mannerisms. Petula Clark gives a sensitive performance." [2]
- 'Today's Cinema' also wrote in 1954, "Pretty Petula Clark is as fresh as ever and gives a well-ironed performance. In Russell Enouch (who later changed his name to William Russell) she has a romantic partner with good looks, modest charm and considerable ability." [2]
References
- ↑ "BFI | Film & TV Database | The GAY DOG (1954)". Ftvdb.bfi.org.uk. 2009-04-16. Retrieved 2014-06-16.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 "The Gay Dog". Petulaclark.net. 1954-06-23. Retrieved 2014-06-16.
- ↑ "The Gay Dog (1954) - Reader's Digest Shop". Shop.readersdigest.co.uk. Retrieved 2014-06-16.
- ↑ "The Gay Dog (1954) | BFI". Explore.bfi.org.uk. Retrieved 2014-06-16.
- ↑ "The Gay Dog Review". Movies.tvguide.com. Retrieved 2014-06-16.