'Oh, Mr Porter!' is seen as possible the most popular of the many films made staring Wil Hay. The team of three (Graham Moffat, Moore Marriot and Hay) seem to fit together well leading each other to witty and well perform punchlines that capture the spirit of the early black and white comedy genre. The tale, based on the placement of a lack lustre station manager at a sleepy backwater station in Ireland, is the perfect setting for Hay to act out his famous role as the bumbling but likable head of operations. Assisted by Marriot and Moffat the three find themselves embroiled in a gun running plot and the ghost of the old miller. Great fun and a reflection of an era long gone.
45 Reviews
A romp on the rails with Will Hay
SimonJack21 June 2016
Warning: Spoilers
"Oh, Mr. Porter" is one of several very good comedies that Will Hay made with fellow British actors Moore Marriott and Graham Moffatt. The fast-talking Hay is William Porter, newly appointed rail station master of Buggleskelly, Ireland. Marriott plays Jeremiah Harbottle, assistant station master; and Moffatt plays Albert, a railway clerk and gopher for the station.
This is wonderful classic British comedy. Hay's Porter leads his cohorts and others on a romp on the rails. The incompetent Porter had been sent to the remote small station where, it was thought; he could be out of the way and do no harm. Instead, he puts Buggleskelly on the map and becomes a hero after leading to the capture of gun runners.
I think the gun-running aspect is interesting, since there is no mention of the I.R.A. This was a time of internal hostilities in Ireland with the Irish Republican Army (I.R.A.) underground.
This is wonderful classic British comedy. Hay's Porter leads his cohorts and others on a romp on the rails. The incompetent Porter had been sent to the remote small station where, it was thought; he could be out of the way and do no harm. Instead, he puts Buggleskelly on the map and becomes a hero after leading to the capture of gun runners.
I think the gun-running aspect is interesting, since there is no mention of the I.R.A. This was a time of internal hostilities in Ireland with the Irish Republican Army (I.R.A.) underground.
Superlative entertainment
Linnell18 February 1999
One of the greatest British comedies of the 1930s and still superbly entertaining. Hay, Moffatt and Marriott produce a first-class comedy trio, bungling their way through a non-stop adventure than involves a haunted windmill, disappearing trains and chasing gunrunners. The final, frantic dash to Belfast is a great climax to the film, despite obvious camera tricks and effects. Correct accents help the authenticity of the Irish location, although it was filmed in southern England.
You most definitely won't be Wasting Your Time!
Spondonman21 March 2004
This has to be the all time best British comedy film, filmed quickly and cheaply as usual. Since I was a kid in the early '70's I've seen it more times than any other film except the Wizard of Oz and maybe the Big Sleep - see it once a year and it still seems amazingly fresh and funny. It's always been one of my daughters' favourite films, so I know it's not just me and similar oldies. And yet it doesn't appear in any of the American film books I've read, I can only surmise they don't show it in the US. It's their terrible loss, and I would urge all fun loving Americans to hunt down and view a copy!
Rundown railway station gets rundown railway station master and staff, up against gun smugglers and the ghost of One Eyed Joe. British humour maybe, but completely clean and non offensive if paradoxically also a little non PC - not like today! Fast and frantic, there's more gags a minute than most (if not all) other film comedies from any country or era. What a Golden Age it would have been if all pre-War British films could have been like this, instead of the quota quickies they churned out.
Will Hay/Moore Marriott/Graham Moffatt/Marcel Varnel/Gainsborough's masterpiece for succeeding discerning generations to discover and cherish.
Rundown railway station gets rundown railway station master and staff, up against gun smugglers and the ghost of One Eyed Joe. British humour maybe, but completely clean and non offensive if paradoxically also a little non PC - not like today! Fast and frantic, there's more gags a minute than most (if not all) other film comedies from any country or era. What a Golden Age it would have been if all pre-War British films could have been like this, instead of the quota quickies they churned out.
Will Hay/Moore Marriott/Graham Moffatt/Marcel Varnel/Gainsborough's masterpiece for succeeding discerning generations to discover and cherish.
British comedy at its very best.
johnson5030 November 2003
One of my all-time favourites.
Silly characters, silly plot.
Supposedly set in Ireland, it was actually filmed on the moribund Basingstoke and Alton Railway in Southern England (note 'Southern' on the tender of the express engine!) I suppose, for its day, it was probably quite innovative with a lot of camera tricks, even though some of the footage is shown in reverse! See the opening credits for instance - British railways drive on the left!
Hay, Marriott and Moffatt are hilariously funny, trotting out well established characters and routines, but no less funny for that, my favourite scene being the one involving Gladstone and the shunting of the carriage - priceless.
If you see it around, watch it, and then check out some of their other films. This was their best but plenty of the others are very funny.
Silly characters, silly plot.
Supposedly set in Ireland, it was actually filmed on the moribund Basingstoke and Alton Railway in Southern England (note 'Southern' on the tender of the express engine!) I suppose, for its day, it was probably quite innovative with a lot of camera tricks, even though some of the footage is shown in reverse! See the opening credits for instance - British railways drive on the left!
Hay, Marriott and Moffatt are hilariously funny, trotting out well established characters and routines, but no less funny for that, my favourite scene being the one involving Gladstone and the shunting of the carriage - priceless.
If you see it around, watch it, and then check out some of their other films. This was their best but plenty of the others are very funny.
Pure genius
darthault24 February 2003
This is quite possibly the greatest British comedy film made. The humour still stands up today and the scenes are as clever as any modern work. Unfortunatly, the film's star Will Hay, has almost been forgotten by the comedy industry and little is spoken about him. This film is a classic example of British comedy and I recommend it to anyone who enjoys and a good laugh and occasional scare. Classic.
Exiled to Buggleskelly
bkoganbing24 January 2016
Oh,Mr.Porter casts Will Hay as a track walker on a railroad jumped up to supervisor of a station. Not that he's much good for anything else, but he does have relatives, powerful relatives who think after 30 years or so he deserves some kind of promotion.
The solution is to put him in some really obscure station as a supervisor so that whatever damage he does do it will not be felt too far. But they failed to understand his capacity for fouling up.
Hay film regulars Moore Marriott and Graham Moffatt are the staff he's inherited. Marriott who looks like he's been around since George Stephenson's Rocket train ran down William Huskisson and Moffatt who as always plays a dull plodding youth are smarter than Hay in one respect. They know they have a good deal in their obscurity, but Hay figures that if he becomes a one man Chamber of Commerce for Buggleskelly the town will grow and he'll have handled real responsibility and his reputation will be made and real advancement will come. Hay's efforts in that direction with his staff make up the bulk of a hilarious picture.
I really identified with the film because I had a similar situation in my life. For three years at my former job, 1985, 1986, and 1987 I was the whole satellite office in Mineola in Long Island of my state agency. No supervisors around, no office politics, it was wonderful and all I had to do was keep my work up to date and I could cut an occasional corner.
I had to leave and the man who eventually succeeded botched the whole operation because he cut too many corners and didn't get his work done at all. Result the agency closed its Long Island office. Poor Hay had the greatest sinecure going and unlike his staff admittedly not geniuses they realized it and he couldn't.
The climax in the end involves our three heroes driving a train full of gunrunners at top speed all the way to Belfast. Yes this is Northern Ireland and these folks are gunrunners. The British movie-going public knew IRA without having it mentioned. Kind of like The Taking Of Pelham 1-2-3 when that train is opened full throttle.
A question for British viewers. Could this have happened after the post war Labour government nationalized the railroads?
Don't worry about it, sit back and enjoy a funny film.
The solution is to put him in some really obscure station as a supervisor so that whatever damage he does do it will not be felt too far. But they failed to understand his capacity for fouling up.
Hay film regulars Moore Marriott and Graham Moffatt are the staff he's inherited. Marriott who looks like he's been around since George Stephenson's Rocket train ran down William Huskisson and Moffatt who as always plays a dull plodding youth are smarter than Hay in one respect. They know they have a good deal in their obscurity, but Hay figures that if he becomes a one man Chamber of Commerce for Buggleskelly the town will grow and he'll have handled real responsibility and his reputation will be made and real advancement will come. Hay's efforts in that direction with his staff make up the bulk of a hilarious picture.
I really identified with the film because I had a similar situation in my life. For three years at my former job, 1985, 1986, and 1987 I was the whole satellite office in Mineola in Long Island of my state agency. No supervisors around, no office politics, it was wonderful and all I had to do was keep my work up to date and I could cut an occasional corner.
I had to leave and the man who eventually succeeded botched the whole operation because he cut too many corners and didn't get his work done at all. Result the agency closed its Long Island office. Poor Hay had the greatest sinecure going and unlike his staff admittedly not geniuses they realized it and he couldn't.
The climax in the end involves our three heroes driving a train full of gunrunners at top speed all the way to Belfast. Yes this is Northern Ireland and these folks are gunrunners. The British movie-going public knew IRA without having it mentioned. Kind of like The Taking Of Pelham 1-2-3 when that train is opened full throttle.
A question for British viewers. Could this have happened after the post war Labour government nationalized the railroads?
Don't worry about it, sit back and enjoy a funny film.
My brief review of the film
sol-10 June 2005
An absolutely classic comedy on every frontier, the chemistry between the three leads is perfect, with each actor pulling his own weight to deliver in this comedy gem that has often been hailed as one of the best British comedies of all time. The jokes are not only funny but charming too most of the time, and although the plot and characters are quite silly, they are all well written for their purpose. The film's technical side is quite impressive too, in particular considering its age, with some great cinematography, a perfectly creaky set design and effective dissolve editing. The special effects and stunt work is also worth marveling at, and the overall film is largely enjoyable. It is not deep, and it is rather silly, but if those qualities can be overlooked, a fun, funny and generally well made film awaits.
The go-to movie
Leofwine_draca7 March 2019
Warning: Spoilers
OH, MR. PORTER! is the best known of the many Will Hay comedies made during the 1930s and 1940s. That's because it's undoubtedly one of the funniest, if not THE funniest out there. The script is superior, the jokes come thick and fast, and the absurdist situations are genuinely funny. Hay plays his usual character, drafted in to a remote Irish train station to run things, only to become embroiled in various daft plots. It's the go-to movie if you're a first time Hay watcher.
The pleasure this film has given me
bill75812 July 2003
I saw this film in 1937 when I was 10. I am now 76 and can remember almost the entire plot. I would list this amongst my top 10 films together with The Quiet Man, Dr. Strangelove, Random Harvest and a few others including The Grapes of Wrath.
A lotta fun as usual.
planktonrules28 September 2011
Warning: Spoilers
This is another comedy starring Will Hay and his most famous sidekicks, Moore Marriott and Graham Moffatt. While many in the States won't recognize them, this trio starred in quite a few comedies in the late 30s and early 40s. In each, Hay plays the idiot who is usually in charge of the other two idiots--with rather funny results.
In this case, the ne'er-do-well Hay is a hapless employee of the British Railway. However, the boss can't fire him because he's Hay's brother-in-law. And, his wife promises that if Hay isn't promoted, that she'll invite him to come live with them! So, to placate her, he finds a completely unimportant and out of the way job as station master in a dreary place in Northern Ireland.
When Hay arrives, he finds the place is run by a couple incompetent and very larcenous boobs (Moffatt and Marriott). Hay is appalled, but as is typical for him, he joins in with their larceny. Eventually, Hay's incompetence even in this nowhere job is noticed and he's told that he's been fired. However, at this same time the trio stumble into a gang of gunrunners. Can they manage to save their lives and their jobs? This is a pretty typical job for the trio with the three essentially playing the same sorts of characters they played in other films. It's quite enjoyable but not as funny as some of their other collaborations (such as "Prisoner 99"). Still, their films are always funny and well worth seeing.
In this case, the ne'er-do-well Hay is a hapless employee of the British Railway. However, the boss can't fire him because he's Hay's brother-in-law. And, his wife promises that if Hay isn't promoted, that she'll invite him to come live with them! So, to placate her, he finds a completely unimportant and out of the way job as station master in a dreary place in Northern Ireland.
When Hay arrives, he finds the place is run by a couple incompetent and very larcenous boobs (Moffatt and Marriott). Hay is appalled, but as is typical for him, he joins in with their larceny. Eventually, Hay's incompetence even in this nowhere job is noticed and he's told that he's been fired. However, at this same time the trio stumble into a gang of gunrunners. Can they manage to save their lives and their jobs? This is a pretty typical job for the trio with the three essentially playing the same sorts of characters they played in other films. It's quite enjoyable but not as funny as some of their other collaborations (such as "Prisoner 99"). Still, their films are always funny and well worth seeing.
Train trivia
alan-morton6 April 2004
This is a bit of trivia for the benefit of all train spotters out there. Presumably as a result of the film being made on Southern Railway, several miles to the north of Southampton, the credits incorporate a few unacknowledged shots of Southampton. Most obviously, the station that's shown on emerging from a tunnel is the old Southampton West station, now Southampton Central, in the form it took before Hermann Goering radically reshaped it. Perhaps the shots were intended as part of the final reel. If so, they count as outtakes, recycled in the credits.
Say something about the film, must I? Well, of course, it's sheer genius. Surely that doesn't need saying. I can't wait for the day that Quentin Tarantino discovers it.
Say something about the film, must I? Well, of course, it's sheer genius. Surely that doesn't need saying. I can't wait for the day that Quentin Tarantino discovers it.
A Railway Full Of Gun Runners And Laughs...
P3n-E-W1s327 April 2018
William Porter (Hay) is a man with ambition. It's just a shame that his luck runs bad and because of such, he's been moved from position to position and from station to station on the railroad. However, his luck may just be turning as the position of Stationmaster at remote Buggleskelly has just become available and, with thanks to his sister, he's given the chance of putting it on the map... Though not all is as it seems at Buggleskelly Station...
This is the Will Hay that I know and love... and remember from my youth; sat in my Nan's on a Saturday afternoon watching telly while the winter rain pelted the window. I have to admit, I'm not too keen when Hay decides to "go alone". His funniest films are definitely the ones where he teams up with the "Old Man" Moore Marriott, who plays Jeremiah Harbottle, and the "Youth" Graham Moffat, playing Albert. When these guys are together they come close to rivalling the great Laurel and Hardy. Like that duo, they are superb at playing off each other and have the impression that they've known each other forever.
The screenwriters, the brilliant Val Guest, J O C Orton, and Marriott Edgar, use this partnership to it's fullest advantage by giving the trio lots of wonderfully funny and witty lines and sight gags. The director then adds to the power of the story by keeping the pace at full steam - just like in the runaway engine sequence.
All of this is interwoven with a good story from Frank Launder, who adds excitement, mystery, and intrigue in the guise of the gun runners.
The only thing which ruffled my feathers a little was the runaway engine scene. Though this is superbly directed by Marcel Varnel, with some interesting camera shots and angles, and quick snap changes, to create excitement. There are times when the speeded up frames are comical. Though I don't think this was meant to be the case, as it was meant to create the illusion of dangerous break-neck speed. Though, even in the 70's when I first watched this film, we are well past this style of special effect... and it's effect isn't so special anymore. But the rest of the movie is great and this is just a small niggle it won't stop your enjoyment of the film... it may even add to it, a little.
This is, as it was in my youth, a great way to spend a wet Saturday afternoon. When it's raining outside you'll be laughing inside... win! As such, I would recommend this to everyone out there.
This is the Will Hay that I know and love... and remember from my youth; sat in my Nan's on a Saturday afternoon watching telly while the winter rain pelted the window. I have to admit, I'm not too keen when Hay decides to "go alone". His funniest films are definitely the ones where he teams up with the "Old Man" Moore Marriott, who plays Jeremiah Harbottle, and the "Youth" Graham Moffat, playing Albert. When these guys are together they come close to rivalling the great Laurel and Hardy. Like that duo, they are superb at playing off each other and have the impression that they've known each other forever.
The screenwriters, the brilliant Val Guest, J O C Orton, and Marriott Edgar, use this partnership to it's fullest advantage by giving the trio lots of wonderfully funny and witty lines and sight gags. The director then adds to the power of the story by keeping the pace at full steam - just like in the runaway engine sequence.
All of this is interwoven with a good story from Frank Launder, who adds excitement, mystery, and intrigue in the guise of the gun runners.
The only thing which ruffled my feathers a little was the runaway engine scene. Though this is superbly directed by Marcel Varnel, with some interesting camera shots and angles, and quick snap changes, to create excitement. There are times when the speeded up frames are comical. Though I don't think this was meant to be the case, as it was meant to create the illusion of dangerous break-neck speed. Though, even in the 70's when I first watched this film, we are well past this style of special effect... and it's effect isn't so special anymore. But the rest of the movie is great and this is just a small niggle it won't stop your enjoyment of the film... it may even add to it, a little.
This is, as it was in my youth, a great way to spend a wet Saturday afternoon. When it's raining outside you'll be laughing inside... win! As such, I would recommend this to everyone out there.
Like a fine wine
ewokmic2 March 2001
Will Hey? What an odd chap. I have seen most of the films and all thought his style is always the same his character is often very different. His role in 'Oh Mr Porter!' is one of his more stereotypical roles and this is why I love it. He's the one who is a few penny's short of a pound but when teamed up with his usual crew, he is the one leading the way. I have seen this film many time since I was a child and, like a fine wine my respect for the long forgotten actor increases each time i view it.
One of the best comedies made
tseamr218 January 2004
This film is one the funniest and best films ever made. It is unique in its timeless appeal and does this without resorting to violence or bad language. It is the best film that the late great Will Hay made and should be viewed by everyone.
how comedies can be funny and not vulgar
Scotthannaford11 June 2005
Will Hay is widely regarded as a comic genius. His looks would never have endeared him to Hollywood, but his timing is immaculate. Oh, Mr Porter! is probably Hay's best film; great characters and a fun story, it gives a wonderful glimpse into how comedies can be built around characterisation and facial gestures rather than vulgarity.
Pure and utter genius, I watched this after Barry Norman included it in his 100 greatest films, and I can see why he loved it so much! The comedy is not like a carry on film - it is far more subtle and observed. The interaction with his two side kicks is spot on, and it is unlikely we will see the like again.
Pure and utter genius, I watched this after Barry Norman included it in his 100 greatest films, and I can see why he loved it so much! The comedy is not like a carry on film - it is far more subtle and observed. The interaction with his two side kicks is spot on, and it is unlikely we will see the like again.
Classic British comedy
Cajun-48 May 2000
It's very difficult to describe the comedy of Will Hay . He was very popular in Britain in the thirties, on radio, the music hall and in film. He looked shabby, seedy and shifty and usually played not very pleasant characters who can only be described as failed con artists, but funny he was. This is probably his best movie and it holds up very well. The plot owns something to that British classic of the theater THE GHOST TRAIN.
Interesting trivia point. This and many of these very British comedies, including some of the George Formbies were directed by a Frenchman Marcel Varnel.
Interesting trivia point. This and many of these very British comedies, including some of the George Formbies were directed by a Frenchman Marcel Varnel.
Much to enjoy!
georgewilliamnoble3 July 2021
Funny, Warm, Loveable.
grrrr9724 April 2002
This film makes one smile, but not an ordinary smile a smile full of warmth and charm. I love this film the characters are wonderful and almost instantly loveable.
The sets and special effects are surprisingly good for a 30's brit flick, the script has stood up to the test of time and the serious back bone to the film of terrorism is more relevant today as it ever was. But that doesn't make it dull its fast funny and altogether scrummy film for all the ages to enjoy. Will Hays best film!
The sets and special effects are surprisingly good for a 30's brit flick, the script has stood up to the test of time and the serious back bone to the film of terrorism is more relevant today as it ever was. But that doesn't make it dull its fast funny and altogether scrummy film for all the ages to enjoy. Will Hays best film!
The train feels the strain
Igenlode Wordsmith9 October 2007
Warning: Spoilers
"Oh, Mr Porter" has always been a longstanding favourite on the railway film circuit, along with "The Titfield Thunderbolt" and "Night Mail", and the action-packed last reel was shown at the 'Steampipes' festival the last year I attended. After seeing and thoroughly enjoying another Will Hay vehicle at the National Film Theatre -- "Ask a Policeman", starring the same team -- I was really excited to spot this on the television schedules recently, and made a point of taping it.
Unfortunately... well, it became all too clear just why they'd only shown that last reel. Great tracts of the rest of it were all too unfunny, and there's nothing worse than listening to a would-be joke fall flat.
To be fair, the taped broadcast was extremely poor quality, two generations removed from what was probably a battered print to start off with, and you often had to work hard even to make out the dialogue. And comedy really does benefit from being seen in the cinema with an enthusiastic audience, rather than falling into stony silence before family who had been promised a treat and felt that I'd brought them in under false pretences. But for whatever reason, I didn't find many laughs in this at all, and was very disappointed.
Lines I did enjoy included the joke about the stationmaster who developed a Napoleon complex and demanded a more important posting -- to Waterloo -- and the postman whose perpetual refrain is "You're wasting your time!" I also liked the gag with the clocks on the mantelpiece. It's interesting to see Hay, Moffatt and Marriott working together again, and there are undoubtedly some interesting snippets of railwayana to be spotted in the background: the stock used was antiquated even at the time of filming.
Still, there is a sour edge to this comedy and a good deal of fussy 'business' that fails to come off for me -- I would recommend "The Titfield Thunderbolt" hands-down every time as a picture that tries less hard to be funny and laughs at its subject with real affection, rather than a shyster's eye for opportunity. But I dare say it all depends on your taste in humour.
Unfortunately... well, it became all too clear just why they'd only shown that last reel. Great tracts of the rest of it were all too unfunny, and there's nothing worse than listening to a would-be joke fall flat.
To be fair, the taped broadcast was extremely poor quality, two generations removed from what was probably a battered print to start off with, and you often had to work hard even to make out the dialogue. And comedy really does benefit from being seen in the cinema with an enthusiastic audience, rather than falling into stony silence before family who had been promised a treat and felt that I'd brought them in under false pretences. But for whatever reason, I didn't find many laughs in this at all, and was very disappointed.
Lines I did enjoy included the joke about the stationmaster who developed a Napoleon complex and demanded a more important posting -- to Waterloo -- and the postman whose perpetual refrain is "You're wasting your time!" I also liked the gag with the clocks on the mantelpiece. It's interesting to see Hay, Moffatt and Marriott working together again, and there are undoubtedly some interesting snippets of railwayana to be spotted in the background: the stock used was antiquated even at the time of filming.
Still, there is a sour edge to this comedy and a good deal of fussy 'business' that fails to come off for me -- I would recommend "The Titfield Thunderbolt" hands-down every time as a picture that tries less hard to be funny and laughs at its subject with real affection, rather than a shyster's eye for opportunity. But I dare say it all depends on your taste in humour.
It's old and creaky and cheap but I love this film and so should you.
terraplane20 March 2000
Will Hay was a master of the quick quip and he certainly gets the chance show it in this, his best film. With his two sidekicks, Moore Marriot as the crusty old Harbottle and Graham Moffat as the lazy fat slob Albert, Hay has a field day.The wisecracks flow thick and fast when the three of them are working at full throttle.The story, such as it is, involves gunrunners from the IRA, haunted windmills and punch-ups in Irish bars!.Just watch it and have a lot of laughs.
Oh Mr. Porter: Inconsistent but warm comedy with Will Hay
latsblaster14 December 2005
Warning: Spoilers
Somebody mentioned that comedies ages more than other films, but I don't know. When it comes to "Oh Mr. Porter", the age rather gives the film some authority rather than make you feel that you don't want to waste your attention to it. It has some nice warmth around it.
Will Hay is a typical comedian. I think that the actors surrounding him complement him in the right way. I suppose the whole film itself has this warm touch. Hay's character William Porter seems to be a bit inconsistent. In the film's opening, he is as stupid as a man can be but later on in the film he shows that he manages to trick just about anyone, and most of all he stops letting people push him to shut up. Maybe that is one of the reasons why the film isn't as predictable as you may think.
Ghosts are mentioned in the film. But in the end, you can't be sure if there really was any ghosts around (that is a question that never founds an answer) ...
Rating: 6+ of 10.
Will Hay is a typical comedian. I think that the actors surrounding him complement him in the right way. I suppose the whole film itself has this warm touch. Hay's character William Porter seems to be a bit inconsistent. In the film's opening, he is as stupid as a man can be but later on in the film he shows that he manages to trick just about anyone, and most of all he stops letting people push him to shut up. Maybe that is one of the reasons why the film isn't as predictable as you may think.
Ghosts are mentioned in the film. But in the end, you can't be sure if there really was any ghosts around (that is a question that never founds an answer) ...
Rating: 6+ of 10.
Flawless comedy
andrewgwb8 April 2002
An absolutely flawless comedy piece, obviously filmed on a shoestring. Fast and furious pace, and some memorable lines. Will Hay is the master of turning bumbling confusion into laughter, revelling in his prime role as a morally seedy figure having had an authoritarian role pressed on him. Filmed at Cliddesdon station on the old Basingstoke - Alton line during May - July 1936 after the stations closure. Now available on DVD in the UK. Get it!!
Oh Dear
Prismark1023 March 2018
I used to watch Will Hay films as a kid but looking at some of them now, it really is woeful stuff. To think Oh Mr Porter is supposedly one of the better ones.
Hay plays Mr Porter, a wheeltapper at the start of the story with the joke being that he has little idea what a wheeltapper actually does.
However he gets a promotion thanks to his sister and is sent to Ireland as the new station master at Buggleskelly station. He teams up with sidekicks Moore Marriott and Graham Moffatt. All of them are inept at running the station.
Mr Porter gets involved with One Eyed Joe who is supposedly regarded as a ghost by the locals who is haunting the place. This One Eyed Joe is a gun smuggler. The film is only enlivened by a train chase as Mr Porter and his cohorts try to stop the bad guys.
Pretty feeble stuff, a comedy of its time which has not aged well.
Hay plays Mr Porter, a wheeltapper at the start of the story with the joke being that he has little idea what a wheeltapper actually does.
However he gets a promotion thanks to his sister and is sent to Ireland as the new station master at Buggleskelly station. He teams up with sidekicks Moore Marriott and Graham Moffatt. All of them are inept at running the station.
Mr Porter gets involved with One Eyed Joe who is supposedly regarded as a ghost by the locals who is haunting the place. This One Eyed Joe is a gun smuggler. The film is only enlivened by a train chase as Mr Porter and his cohorts try to stop the bad guys.
Pretty feeble stuff, a comedy of its time which has not aged well.
Old films don't come any better...
petangi1 January 2006
A much loved member of my "favourite films of all time" list. I first saw it on Saturday morning pictures for sixpence in the early fifties and thought it was brilliant. Got it on DVD and would still sit down and watch it if it came on the telly. Some films are like classical music, you're always pleased to come across them. This is one of mine.No need for CGI, no need for colour, no need for Hollywood window dressing and mega hype, its a taste of a different world, a different era and with less sophistication. Will Hay pompously fumbles and struts his way through one disaster after another, aided by his two lieutenants and a good time is had by all.
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