King Arthur Was A Gentleman

King Arthur Was a Gentleman is an enthralling blend of comedy, music, and national pride. Released in 1942, this notorious British World War II film stars the comedic genius Arthur Askey, known for his infectious personality and for his unique brand of humor. Askey is further buoyed by other brilliant performances from Evelyn Dall and Anne Shelton.

The movie presents Arthur Askey as Arthur King, a small guy with a big heart and even bigger dreams. Despite his diminutive size, King's chest swells with pride for his nation and keenness for adventure. He purchases a book, from which he uncovers the tale of an ancient sword that holds magical powers. Convinced that he has found the legendary Excalibur, King wholeheartedly believes in his destiny to follow in the footsteps of his namesake, King Arthur, highlighting the film's titular gag.

Askey's portrayal of Arthur King is truly a comedic masterstroke. His impish enthusiasm and his larger-than-life belief in himself, despite his obvious physical limitations, are key to the humor in this film. It's also part of his charm – his comically misplaced self-confidence attracts people to him, and his eagerness to stand up for his country is genuinely inspiring.

Evelyn Dall puts up a delightful performance as an American journalist, Terry Randall. The dynamics between Randall and King add another captivating layer to the movie. Evelyn Dall delivers an endearing performance, and her involvement keeps the narrative intriguing with her interactions with King. While King's advancements often become sources of comedy, his gallantry and spirit also win over the affections of audiences.

That being said, the movie and its charm are not solely dependent on the performances. The narrative takes our unlikely hero from quiet suburbia to the tumultuous battlefield, creating room for lots of antics and adventures. There are far-fetched plans, battlefield gags, and unexpected cameos that keep the movie entertaining from start till end.

Among these comedic elements, however, is also an underlying tone of national pride. Released during the height of World War II, King Arthur Was a Gentleman had a subtle, yet potent, propaganda message. Askey's character, who dreams of fighting for his nation and stands by it, exudes a sense of patriotism, aligning perfectly with the sentiment of the times.

Another integral part of the film is its extensive use of music. The film features various marching songs and musical numbers, many of which went on to achieve notable success. Sung mainly by Anne Shelton and Arthur Askey himself, these songs add a lively and engaging quality to the film, making the viewing experience even more enjoyable.

Director Marcel Varnel skillfully manages to balance the explosive comedy with the aforementioned patriotic undertones and musical numbers. Varnel, renowned for his work with Will Hay and the Crazy Gang, showcased his brilliant comedic timing and clever direction in the film. His direction involving the confused, chaotic battle scenes are particularly notable, turning chaos into laughter while maintaining the seriousness that comes with war.

King Arthur Was a Gentleman, much more than just a ‘funny’ film, serves as an important piece of wartime cinema. It uses humor as an approach not only to entertain but to uplift morale in a time of national stress. Throughout the film, this sense of national pride subtly tugs at the heartstrings of the audience, testament to the commendable work of everyone involved in the film.

To conclude, King Arthur Was a Gentleman is an unforgettable ride, brimming with laughter, rhythm, patriotism, and a fair share of uproarious antics. The film is not merely a brilliant showcase of the comedic prowess of Arthur Askey; it's a tribute to a nation, pulling its weight even in the gravest of times. A crucial snapshot from an era past, this film is a reminder not just of the power of comedy, but also of the resilience and fighting spirit of people during tough times.