Yes, Madam? is a 1938 British musical comedy film directed by Norman Lee and starring Bobby Howes, Diana Churchill and Wylie Watson.[1]

Yes, Madam?
Directed byNorman Lee
Written by
Produced byWalter C. Mycroft
Starring
CinematographyWalter J. Harvey
Edited byWalter Stokvis
Music byHarry Acres
Production
company
Distributed byAssociated British Film Distributors
Release date
  • November 1938 (1938-11)
Running time
77 minutes
CountryUnited Kingdom
LanguageEnglish

Background

edit

The film was adapted from a play by K.R.G. Browne, itself based on a novel by the same author.[2] The film was shot at Elstree Studios,[3] with sets designed by the art director Cedric Dawe.

Plot

edit

Two cousins, Billy Quinton and Sally Gaunt, have to spend a month in service to qualify for an inheritance from an eccentric uncle. They find themselves in the same household, as valet/chauffeur and as maid, where they are tracked down by their arch-enemy Tony Tolliver, who will get the money should either of the cousins fail in their task by getting the sack. Tony therefore tries various schemes to get them sacked – succeeding, but still failing to get the legacy.[2]

Cast

edit

Music and dance sequences

edit

Set pieces taken from the stage production included a scene with a 'sloshed Emney',[4] Czecho-Slovakian Love - "Here beneath the white lights gleaming above" (Pansy and Bill) and 'Yes, Madam' - "I'm in love, I confess" (Bill and Sally).[5]

References

edit
  1. ^ "BFI | Film & TV Database | YES, MADAM? (1938)". Ftvdb.bfi.org.uk. 16 April 2009. Archived from the original on 16 January 2009. Retrieved 16 March 2012.
  2. ^ a b Excerpt from Kine Weekly, 10 November 1938, quoted in 'The Museum of London and The National Film Archive present Made in London' programme notes, 20th season, September to December 1990.
  3. ^ Wood p.99
  4. ^ Excerpt from Film-making in 1930s Britain by Rachael Low, quoted in 'The Museum of London and The National Film Archive present Made in London' programme notes, 20th season, September to December 1990.
  5. ^ Script of 'Yes, Madam' accompanying Network on Air DVD release 'British Musicals of the 1930s: Volume 4' 7954378 (2015).

Bibliography

edit
  • Wood, Linda. British Films, 1927-1939. British Film Institute, 1986.
edit