Boys will be Boys

Boys Will Be Boys is a charming and nostalgic British comedy film from the year 1935. This cinematic gem, directed by William Beaudine, centres on the comical exploits of a schoolmaster and his ragtag group of students. British comedy star Will Hay headlines the film alongside contemporary stalwarts Gordon Harker and Jimmy Hanley.

The film plays with various comedic forms and conventions of the time, manipulating misunderstandings and perfect comedic timing to create a light-hearted and fun masterpiece that will bring the audience to bursts of laughter. Boys Will Be Boys is not merely a film about the schoolroom antics of mischievous kids, it is also an exploration of British society and class-consciousness in the 1930s, providing a snapshot of the epoch and an entertaining insight into the norms of society.

Will Hay, known for his impeccable comic timing and distinctive persona, takes on the role of Dr. Alec Smart, the fraudulent, self-serving, yet ultimately gentle and lovable headmaster of an unruly boys’ school. The character’s charm lies in his intellectual pretensions and ignorable faults. Notably, Hay's character was modelled on the traditional perception of English schoolmasters of the time, but with a comedic twist.

Gordon Harker, another distinguished star of British comedy during that era, brings life to the role of Albert Brown, a local shady businessman. Harker's sublime acting adds a unique zest to the film, manifesting remarkable chemistry with Hay's character. His performance as Brown, combining the finest strokes of acting with an intuitive understanding of comedy, promises to leave the audience entertained.

Jimmy Hanley, the young talented actor, plays the role of one of Dr. Smart’s boarders. His remarkable performance stands as a testament to his versatility and adds a youthful vigor to the classic film.

Boys Will Be Boys is not just a comedy of errors interlaced with wit and hilarity. The film's aesthetic design, settings, and costumes effectively capture the essence of the time period. Much of the filming takes place at the ramshackle school and it serves as the perfect backdrop for the boys' shenanigans and Dr. Smart's desperation. The juxtaposition between the respectable schoolmaster archetype and the reality of the conniving and often clueless Dr. Alec Smart contributes to the humour and charm of the narrative.

Additionally, the seamless dialogue provides a quaint authenticity, making extensive use of colloquial language of 1930s Britain. This language, filled with old slang and clever wit, adds a rich texture to the film and gives it a distinct cultural charm. Boys Will Be Boys also contains a brilliant display of character-based humour, highlighting both the idiosyncrasies of individual characters and the general human condition.

Director William Beaudine successfully crafts a film that, while highlighting the humourous foibles of its characters, never strays into cruelty or mockery. Instead, Beaudine seems to revel in the absurdities of the story and its characters, and this cheerfulness proves infectious.

The music of the film, seamlessly woven into the narrative complements both the comedy and the unique pacing of the film. It does a brilliant job in underscoring the various comedic set pieces and the light-hearted atmosphere of the film.

Boys Will Be Boys is a film that serves as an excellent time capsule of 1930s British comedy. Its careful blend of hearty laughs, good-hearted characters, and social commentary showcases the talent and abilities of British cinema at that time. Whether you are a lover of classic films, keen on a good laugh, or intrigued by societal portrayals of past eras, Boys Will Be Boys is a film that offers an engaging and entertaining watch. The comedy may be over eighty years old, but the universal appeal of its humor and its endearing cast of characters ensures that this timeless classic remains enjoyable to this day.