Mrs. Brown, You've Got a Lovely Daughter

Mrs. Brown, You've Got a Lovely Daughter is a British comedy-musical that was made in 1967 and released in 1968. The film was directed by Saul Swimmer and was primarily produced by Allen Klein of ABKCO Music and Records. The film title, Mrs. Brown, You've Got a Lovely Daughter, was originally a popular song by Herman's Hermits, who are also featured prominently in the film.

The film is a blend of a romantic comedy, musical numbers and British humor, all combined under the heading of a greyhound racing tale. It features members of Herman's Hermits, the popular beat band of the 60s, in their acting debuts with lead singer, Peter Noone, taking on the role of Herman Tulley. Other band members include Karl Green and Keith Hopwood, who play Karl and Keith respectively. They all deliver lively performances in their roles as musicians trying to make it big in the music industry while getting involved in the world of dog racing.

The plot circles around Herman Tulley and his bandmates, whose lives take an unexpected turn when they inherit a greyhound named Mrs. Brown. After some initial surprise, they soon realize that Mrs. Brown is a formidable racer and decide to enter her in the greyhound racing circuit to earn some additional income. During their greyhound-racing venture, they encounter various people, including high-stakes gamblers and budding love interests.

The film essentially takes Herman's Hermits out of their usual pop milieu and thrusts them into an adventurous journey that combines their contentedly average English lives with the unlikely but exciting world of greyhound racing.

Comedic scenes weave throughout the narrative, with Herman's Hermits' characteristic lighthearted humor and witty one-liners often spotlighted. The band is seen not just as musicians, but as inseparable mates for whom friendship and loyalty come first.

Serving up a generous dose of 60s pop music, the band members croon their way through a collection of their hits, including the title track "Mrs. Brown, You've Got a Lovely Daughter". Other popular numbers such as "There's a Kind of Hush", and "It's Nice to Be out in the Morning" are also shown, much to the delight of the band's fans and music enthusiasts overall.

Infused with a scent of British pop culture of the 60s, the film beautifully captures its era and gives the audience ample songs to remember. The characters portrayed by Noone, Green, and Hopwood, while somewhat exaggerated in their affability and quirkiness, are amicable and easily relatable, adding to the charm of the movie.

Adding dimension to the film, the love interests of the band members are also generously featured, with Stan, played by Stanley Holloway, being mostly smitten with Judy, played by Sheila White. These romantic angles provide an interesting foil to the main plot and give viewers a glimpse of the band's off-stage lives.

From a technical perspective, the film is shot in black and white, which lends it a distinct retrospective charm, making it stand out in a time when cinema was transitioning towards colorful extravaganzas. The film's production design, costumes, and cinematography capture the essence of the mid-60s, evoking a strong sense of nostalgia.

Furthermore, the movie is balanced with perfectly timed comic interludes and melodious songs that make it a delightful watch. Even the greyhound racing, which the plot pivots on, is shown with a great deal of authenticity and turns out to be unexpectedly gripping.

Overall, Mrs. Brown, You've Got a Lovely Daughter is a delightful musical comedy that remains a nostalgic trip down memory lane for fans of the 60s music and culture. It captures the essence of the era, underpinned by the charming simplicity of a bygone age. It's a must-watch for Herman's Hermits fans and anyone with a taste for music-focused comedies of the yesteryears.