Mistaken for a spy George Hepplewhite, member of entertainment troupe The Dinkie Doos, finds himself on a boat bound for Norway. His top-secret mission, to work undercover as a musician in a hotel band and unmask a Nazi spy. The last agent met with an untimely end, will George suffer the same fate?
If modern movie buffs ever discuss any of George Formby's films it's probably the one with him astride a motorcycle on the Isle of Man. In fact such is that movie's enduring appeal that it's still played to this day at the annual TT races. Let George Do It isn't that one, that's No Limit, but it's an even better film and consequently the best celluloid outing for the music hall star who had a successful silver screen career.
Having firmly established his on screen persona, that of a clumsy, naïve but loveable lad next-door type, George Formby became a firm favourite with British movie audiences of the 30s. With the war less than a year old the opportunity to pit Formby against the Nazis was quickly acted on resulting in this fast paced patriotic comedy. Following the tried and tested formula it's a perfect blend of humorous mishaps and silly banter interspaced with a few songs. The well-crafted script never fails to capitalise on its comic potential with our hero's blundering secret agent antics including slapstick shenanigans at a Bergen Bakery and recurring run-ins with a hot-tempered husband. The integration of a band into the plot is another plus point, making the musical numbers appear less contrived than in other Formby films. As always love is on the cards, here in the shape of Phyllis Calvert as Mary, George's female contact and high-octane thrills also abound in the action packed finale set on a Nazi u-boat.
An enjoyable slice of wartime propaganda – watch out for a crowd-pleasing dream sequence guest starring a certain Mr A Hitler who finds himself on the receiving end of Formby's fists – Let George Do It gives the ukulele playing prankster plenty to do with a generous helping of one-liners, some physical larking about and a woman to woo. As per usual he gets his little uke out for some musical interludes including Count Your Blessings And Smile which would have certainly raised the spirits of wartime cinemagoers, and Grandad's Flannelette Nightshirt during which he breaks the fourth wall with a couple of double takes and cheeky winks. But that's not all, he also delivers his "turned out nice again" catchphrase no less than 3 times. What more could a George Formby fan want?
9 (from 1 vote)