An example of a "Quota Quickie" - one of the hundreds of low-budget B movies that British studios churned out to receive government funding between 1927-1937.
Making allowances for the financial and time constraints this film was clearly made under (many of the "Quota Quickie" films were shot around the working schedules of actors who were simultaneously engaged in theatrical work), the film still falls a bit short due to a weak script and (unsurprisingly) rather stagy performances by the cast. On the plus side, the film does have quite an engaging plot and rattles along at a cheery pace.
In conclusion, Lazybones is worth viewing for 3 reasons: 1) a fantastic little cameo appearance by the wonderful British character actor Miles Malleson 2) for Michael Powell fans to catch his early directorial work 3) for Alfred Hitchcock fans to realise just how far ahead of the game he was! (The 39 Steps was released in the same year)
Making allowances for the financial and time constraints this film was clearly made under (many of the "Quota Quickie" films were shot around the working schedules of actors who were simultaneously engaged in theatrical work), the film still falls a bit short due to a weak script and (unsurprisingly) rather stagy performances by the cast. On the plus side, the film does have quite an engaging plot and rattles along at a cheery pace.
In conclusion, Lazybones is worth viewing for 3 reasons: 1) a fantastic little cameo appearance by the wonderful British character actor Miles Malleson 2) for Michael Powell fans to catch his early directorial work 3) for Alfred Hitchcock fans to realise just how far ahead of the game he was! (The 39 Steps was released in the same year)