Miss London Ltd.
"Arthur Askey at his most hilarious in this wartime musical comedy!"
Plot
Arthur Askey plays Arthur, the owner of Miss London Ltd., an escort agency that's struggling to stay afloat during wartime. When his business partner suggests bringing in new girls just in time for the soldiers' leave, they recruit a fresh lineup of entertainers including the talented Anne Shelton. The film follows their comedic misadventures as they try to revitalize the agency while dealing with various challenges and romantic entanglements. Set against the backdrop of World War II Britain, the story combines musical numbers with slapstick comedy as Arthur and his team navigate the complexities of running their unconventional business during wartime. The film serves as both entertainment and morale booster for wartime audiences, featuring several musical performances that were popular with British troops.
About the Production
Filmed during the height of World War II with limited resources and wartime restrictions on filmmaking. The production had to work around blackout regulations and resource shortages. Many of the cast were also performing for troops and in wartime entertainment shows during filming.
Historical Background
Miss London Ltd. was produced in 1943, during the height of World War II when Britain was experiencing intense bombing campaigns and severe rationing. The film industry played a crucial role in maintaining public morale during this difficult period. Cinema attendance reached record levels during the war as people sought entertainment and escapism from the harsh realities of daily life. The British government actively supported film production that could boost morale and support the war effort. This film, with its light-hearted comedy and musical numbers, was designed to provide exactly that kind of relief. The setting of an escort agency, while handled tastefully, reflected the social changes brought about by the war, including the increased independence of women and the transient nature of relationships during wartime.
Why This Film Matters
The film represents an important example of British wartime cinema that balanced entertainment with subtle patriotic messaging. It showcases the star power of Arthur Askey, who was instrumental in maintaining British morale through his radio and film work. The inclusion of Anne Shelton, who was genuinely beloved by British troops, added authentic wartime cultural relevance. The film's portrayal of wartime London, even in its lighter moments, serves as a historical document of how British popular culture responded to and reflected the war experience. It also demonstrates how the British film industry adapted to wartime conditions while continuing to produce entertainment that served both commercial and morale-boosting purposes.
Making Of
The film was produced under challenging wartime conditions with limited resources and strict government regulations. The cast and crew often had to work around air raid warnings and blackout requirements. Arthur Askey, already a major star from his radio work, brought his established comedic persona to the role. Anne Shelton's casting was significant as she was one of the most popular singers of the wartime era, regularly performing for troops and on BBC radio. The film's musical numbers were carefully choreographed to work within the constraints of wartime studio space and equipment. Director Val Guest, who would later become renowned for his work in the horror genre, brought his expertise in pacing and comedy timing to the production. The script incorporated many contemporary references to wartime life that would have resonated strongly with 1943 audiences.
Visual Style
The cinematography by Arthur Grant was typical of British wartime productions - functional rather than innovative, but effective in serving the story. The black and white photography made good use of studio sets while occasionally incorporating location shots of wartime London. The visual style emphasized clarity and readability to ensure the comedy and musical numbers were presented effectively. The lighting techniques had to work within wartime electricity restrictions, leading to a somewhat flatter look than pre-war productions but still maintaining professional standards.
Innovations
While not technically groundbreaking, the film demonstrated the British film industry's ability to maintain production quality under wartime constraints. The studio had to work with limited materials, electricity restrictions, and a depleted workforce due to military service. The successful integration of musical numbers with comedy sequences showed technical competence in both sound recording and editing. The production's ability to create an entertaining film despite these challenges was itself an achievement of wartime British cinema.
Music
The film's soundtrack featured several musical numbers performed by Anne Shelton and Evelyn Dall, who were both popular singers of the era. The music was composed by Kennedy Russell and included original songs written specifically for the film along with some contemporary popular tunes. The musical numbers were integrated into the narrative as performances by the escort agency entertainers, providing natural opportunities for song and dance. The score also included typical wartime comedy music that underscored the slapstick elements of Askey's performance. The soundtrack was released on 78 rpm records and some of the songs became popular on their own.
Did You Know?
- Arthur Askey was one of Britain's most popular wartime entertainers, known for his radio work before transitioning to films
- Anne Shelton was considered 'the forces' sweetheart' and was immensely popular with British troops during WWII
- The film was produced during the British 'wartime cinema boom' when cinema attendance reached record highs
- Val Guest, the director, would later become famous for directing several Hammer Horror films
- The escort agency premise was considered somewhat risqué for its time but was handled in a family-friendly manner
- Evelyn Dall was an American singer who became popular in Britain during the war years
- The film features several musical numbers that were released as records and became popular with the public
- Many of the film's jokes and situations reference wartime conditions and rationing
- The production had to obtain special permission to film certain scenes during wartime restrictions
- Several scenes were filmed in actual bomb-damaged locations to add authenticity to the wartime setting
What Critics Said
Contemporary reviews were generally positive, with critics noting the film's success in providing much-needed wartime entertainment. The Times praised its 'cheerful disposition' and 'effective comedy moments,' while the Daily Express called it 'typical Askey fare that does exactly what it sets out to do.' Modern critics view the film as a representative example of British wartime comedy, noting its historical value in understanding how cinema functioned as morale-boosting entertainment during World War II. While not considered a masterpiece of British cinema, it's recognized for its authentic representation of wartime popular entertainment and the appeal of its stars to contemporary audiences.
What Audiences Thought
The film was well-received by wartime audiences who were eager for light entertainment and familiar stars. Arthur Askey's established fan base from his popular radio shows ensured strong initial interest. The musical numbers featuring Anne Shelton were particularly popular with audiences, many of whom were familiar with her work entertaining the troops. The film's blend of comedy and music was exactly what wartime cinema-goers were looking for - a temporary escape from the hardships of war. Audience feedback from the period indicates that the film succeeded in its primary mission of providing entertainment and lifting spirits during a difficult time.
Film Connections
Influenced By
- British music hall tradition
- Wartime propaganda films
- American musical comedies of the 1930s
- British radio comedy formats
This Film Influenced
- Later British wartime comedies
- Post-war British musical films