Review of Elstree Calling (1930) by Matthew D — 20 Feb 2016

A precursor of sorts to future comedy variety and sketch shows, from Morecombe and Wise to Monty Python, but without the self-awareness of those later productions it resembles more the kind of wearisome trying-too-hard appeals that characterise nights of Comic Relief or Children in Need, yet without the having charitable sympathy of knowing it's terrible for a good cause.

The music, too high-pitched and warbly for my tastes (and I suspect most modern viewers), is not allowed to breathe and be appreciated on its own merits but has faces pulled over it to vainly try to wrest more laughter.

The most interesting part (probably directed by Hitchcock) is a framing device of watching the show on TV, which is remarkable not only because it continues to be used until today, but for its recognition of the medium so early.

Alas this conceit is 'viewed' by a family written in the same 'comedy' style as the rest of the show. There is one highlight, however, which is sketch which involves a few seconds of Hitchcock sending up Hitchcock and is a delight, if the only one to relish here.