The Gay Dog
| The Gay Dog | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Directed by | Maurice Elvey |
| Written by | Peter Rogers Joseph Colton (play) |
| Produced by | Ernest Gartside |
| Starring | Wilfred Pickles Petula Clark Megs Jenkins |
| Cinematography | James Wilson |
| Edited by | Stanley Willis |
| Music by | Edwin Astley |
Production company | |
| Distributed by | Eros Films (UK) |
Release date |
|
Running time | 87 minutes |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Language | English |
The Gay Dog is a 1954 British comedy film directed by Maurice Elvey and starring Wilfred Pickles, Petula Clark and Megs Jenkins.[1] It was filmed at Southall Studios, and features Petula Clark singing "A Long Way to Go", written by Joe Henderson and Leslie Clark (Petula's father).[2]
Plot
A miner, Jim Gay, owns a greyhound, "Raving Beauty", which has been very successful in races at the local stadium. But his bets on the dog are not winning him much money, so Gay hits upon a plan to lengthen its starting odds and clean up at the bookies. Putting the plan into practice is no easy task, especially as he is also intent on marrying off his daughter to his young friend and fellow miner.[3][4]
Cast
- Wilfred Pickles - Jim Gay
- Petula Clark - Sally Gay
- Megs Jenkins - Maggie Gay
- Harold Goodwin - Bert Gay
- Nuna Duvey - Minnie Gay
- John Blythe - Peter Nightingale
- Margaret Barton - Peggy Gowland
- William Russell (credited as Russell Enouch) - Leslie Gowland
- Cyril Raymond - Vicar
- Peter Butterworth - Betting Man
- Jon Pertwee - Betting Man
Critical reception
- 'TV Guide' wrote, "comic situations abound but fall far short in the execution, which is surprising coming from eminently competent director Elvey." [5]
- 'Monthly Film Bulletin' wrote in 1954, "this unimaginative film version of Wilfred Pickles' stage success has gained little from the transference, apart from the use of authentic locations which give an impression of realism. Wilfred Pickles presents an interesting character study of a hard-working miner, whilst retaining his customary mannerisms. Petula Clark gives a sensitive performance." [2]
- 'Today's Cinema' also wrote in 1954, "Pretty Petula Clark is as fresh as ever and gives a well-ironed performance. In Russell Enouch (who later changed his name to William Russell) she has a romantic partner with good looks, modest charm and considerable ability." [2]
References
- ^ "BFI | Film & TV Database | The GAY DOG (1954)". Ftvdb.bfi.org.uk. 16 April 2009. Retrieved 16 June 2014.
- ^ a b c "The Gay Dog". Petulaclark.net. 23 June 1954. Retrieved 16 June 2014.
- ^ "The Gay Dog (1954) - Reader's Digest Shop". Shop.readersdigest.co.uk. Retrieved 16 June 2014.
- ^ "The Gay Dog (1954) | BFI". Explore.bfi.org.uk. Retrieved 16 June 2014.
- ^ "The Gay Dog Review". Movies.tvguide.com. Retrieved 16 June 2014.
External links
- The Gay Dog at IMDb
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