Review of The 'Maggie' (1954) by Alun W — 14 May 2012

When a powerful American transport magnate is conned into using an unseaworthy rust-bucket captained by a drunken but wily old Scotsman to ship furniture to his dream home on a Scottish island there is only going to be one winner, and the script for this film must practically have written itself.

But it is a beautifully made film - with fascinating location shots, and a wonderful cast. The screenplay is nicely balanced - as although Calvin B Marshall is destined to be taken down a peg or two he is a fundamentally decent chap, while Captain Mactaggart is an out and out rascal who stops off at every inn en route (and off route).

Though both lead actors turn in fine performance it is perhaps Tommy Kearins, playing the "wee boy", and the scene of a Gaelic 100th birthday party that really make the film something special.

This deserves to be at least as well known as Alexander Mackendrick's three other Ealing comedies.