Bees in Paradise

Bees in Paradise is a classic British comedy film released in 1944, during the times of World War II. Directed by Val Guest, the film stars Arthur Askey, Anne Shelton, Peter Graves, and Ronald Shiner as the central characters. Known for its unique blend of humor, music and romance, the film offers an intriguing wartime entertainment ensuring plenty of laughter and light-hearted amusement.

Arthur Askey, the prominent British comedian and a veteran in delivering the best of comedy, gives a stellar performance, showcasing his signature wit and humor in the movie. The plot follows Askey who plays Arthur Tucker, a leading aircrew member of a bomber. Anne Shelton, a famous wartime singer, portrays a charming yet playful Queen of Paradise Island, engaging viewers with her beautiful singing and entertaining act. Peter Graves plays the role of Lieutenant Bill Brown and demonstrates his superb acting talent in strikingly hilarious scenes of the movie. Ronald Shiner too graces the movie with his role of the Navigator, adding a certain charm to the film's light comedic atmosphere.

The story unfolds when an RAF plane crashes into the sea due to a heavy storm and the four aircrew members, including Askey and Graves, are washed ashore an uncharted island. It is here where the real fun begins. The island is inhabited solely by women, who over time have developed unique customs and practices, ultimately leading to a string of amusingly misinterpreted perceptions and roles. Their feminist society is matriarchal, and the women perceive men as inferior and useful largely for carrying out tasks considered 'menial' to the island's womenfolk.

Additionally, the island is also home to the age-old tradition of choosing husbands through a song contest which is a predominant highlight of the movie. Anne Shelton, as the reigning queen, captivates everyone with her melodious voice in this contest. Arthur is earmarked for the Queen, and this leads to an array of hilarious misunderstandings and comic situations. The humor in the film is playful and witty, showing the brilliance of comedy in the 1940s.

The film’s musical aspect is another striking feature that adds to its charm. Arthur Askey and Anne Shelton, both famous musical performers of their time, render vocal performances in the movie that are worth mentioning. The noteworthy harmonization of comedy with music gives the movie a unique flavor and cements its place as a musical comedy.

Guest’s direction, blended with Askey’s swift comic timing and Shelton’s enchanting performances, indeed creates a comical paradise. The chemistry amongst the characters is jovial and the plot flows smoothly, making this movie a light-hearted comedy with a consistent pace. The dialogues, although filled with humor, also occasionally offer a reflection of the societal norms of that era.

With a running time of approximately 77 minutes, Bees in Paradise is a charming tale, presenting influences of the British comedy traditions and music era during the wartime. The movie’s blending of humor, music, and the subversion of society's power dynamics makes it an engaging watch. Besides an entertaining narrative, Bees in Paradise also provides an enlightening look at British cinema during the 1940's. It successfully encapsulates the spirit of its time, offering a joyous escape amidst the grim backdrop of war.

To sum up, Bees in Paradise is a quintessential 1940s British comedy film, filled with laughter, music, and light-hearted romance. The film stands as a testament to both Askey's comedic talent and Shelton's mesmerising vocals, along with commendable performances by Graves and Shiner. It's the ideal film for those who seek a snapshot of an era when movies were simpler, yet profound in their ability to evoke laughter and happiness. Even decades after its release, its unique charm continues to captivate audiences worldwide.