Old Bones of the River

Old Bones of the River is a classic British comedy film from the late 1930s, released in the year 1938, and directed by Marcel Varnel. The film showcases an engaging triumvirate of popular figures in British film of the time - Will Hay, Moore Marriott, and Graham Moffatt.

The movie revolves around a protagonist named Professor Benjamin Tibbetts, portrayed by the brilliant Will Hay. Tibbetts is an embodiment of scholarly diffidence, and in direct conflict with this attribute, the character is swept up in an adventure that drives the narrative. He is an African correspondence course tutor stationed by the Upper Nile, who also takes on the position of a local commissioner.

In his well-meaning yet puerile attempts to 'colonize' the African villagers, he serves to demystify the British governmental systems and customs familiar to the home audience. Through his antics, including the comedic translation errors, the movie finds a way to incorporate farcical treated sequences, revealing the cultural differences in a light-hearted manner.

His two chief companions encompass evocative caricatures of British society, encapsulated by Moore Marriott and Graham Moffatt. Marriott plays Harbottle, an antiquated mariner, while Moffatt represents Albert, a young, portly and lazy student. Both invariably contribute to the chaotic humor that threads through the film.

With these endearing characters, Old Bones of the River embarks on a journey filled with lighthearted mischief, evoking plentiful laughter along the way. Even with a farcical backdrop, the film doesn’t shy away from gently addressing socio-political undertones of the era, albeit with a lens of satire.

Taking a dig at British colonial rule, the film also incorporates a sub-plot with a group of rebels trying to overthrow the government. This late-'30s comedy uses rebels, village chiefs, and tribal leaders to construct a far-reaching adventure narrative that deflects from its initial aura of a sedate tutorial film.

What makes this film distinguishable and enjoyable, even many decades later, is the clever wordplay, slapstick humor, and the comic timing of the lead actors, especially of Will Hay. His unruffled demeanor amid relentless absurdity presents an element of contrast that inherently spells comedy. His characters' ineptitude combined with the good-natured efforts provides a chucklesome performance that continues to charm the audience.

Hay’s collaboration with Marriott and Moffatt also contributes significantly to the humor. The interplay between the characters they represent forms the cornerstone of the narrative’s comedy. The elderly, slightly deaf Harbottle invariably misinterpreting instructions and Albert’s constant evasions from work add to the hilarity and absurdity of the situations.

The director, Marcel Varnel, successfully instigates a subtly nuanced portrayal of the British Empire's workings in the late 30s. Even though the movie is primarily humorous, Varnel weaves in slight criticisms and pokes at the British colonization endeavors without missing a comedic beat.

Visually also the film is effective. With a variety of scenes, from the courses run by Professor Benjamin to the markets and huts of the local people, there is an appeal in the diverse and atmospheric scenery of Africa. The set design, costume, and the overall production values intersperse to create an authentic backdrop against which the laughs play out.

The film's comedic rhythms, combined with the skillful performances and gripping narrative, continue to provide timeless entertainment. Its nuanced satire of colonial times gives it an added layer of depth for those interested in the period.

In summation, Old Bones of the River is an amalgamation of well-molded characters, laughter-inducing situations, a captivating narrative arc, and a subtle critique of the British socio-political atmosphere of the time. It's a classic comedy film that engages its audience through its spotlight on the trifecta of Hay, Marriott, and Moffatt, whose charm remains undiminished even decades later. It's worth a watch for those who appreciate well written and executed British comedy from the Golden era of films.