Sailing Along

Sailing Along is a British musical on-the-water romance, released in 1938, directed by Sonnie Hale, featuring bubbling and charismatic performances from its lead stars - Jessie Matthews, Barry MacKay, and Jack Whiting. This film combines engaging storytelling with captivating musical numbers, which seamlessly blend with the narrative, reviving the glorious memories of Britain's golden era of film.

Matthews takes on the role of a vivacious young fruit seller, Kay Martin. As an orphan, she earns her bread by selling fruit off a riverboat along the Thames and nurtures her dream of becoming a music hall star. She is bright and full of life, her singing voice echoing the dreams and pains of ordinary people earning their livelihood along the bustling famed river. Matthews imbues Kay with vibrancy and tenacity, making her a character that is undoubtedly easy to root for.

Barry MacKay plays the affluent Terry, a man decidedly drawn to Kay's independent spiritedness and incomparable voice. He morphs Terry into a respectful and charming suitor, impressed with Kay's talent and smitten by her spirit. After hearing Kay sing, Terry immediately visualizes her performance on a grand West End stage, stepping far apart from her modest riverside existence.

The pivot point in the movie is a chance meeting that turns the lives of the characters upside down. Terry, besotted with Kay’s performance, offers her an opportunity to perform at a charity concert. Here, Jack Whiting's character enters the fold, playing a well-known Broadway impresario who becomes interested in molding Kay into a star.

Musical interludes embellish the narrative, as Matthews' voice and dancing prowess take center stage. Notable songs include ‘The Thames’, ‘I Nearly Let Love Go Slipping Through My Fingers’, and ‘Let's Give a Party’, each echoing different moods and episodes in the movie's journey.

The term ‘Sailing Along,’ transcends the literal and embodies a metaphorical sense referring to the progression of the character’s journeys. The movie uses the river Thames as a cogent symbol reflecting the different streams of life. It contrasts the grandeur of the West End with the area around the river where Kay originates, illustrating how she must navigate through the rocky waters of ambition, love, and destiny.

Sailing Along also skillfully explores a motif of class - with Terry's upper-class life clashing and merging with Kay's working-class world. It's a celebration of the power of dreams and emphasizes the idea that talent, ambition, and perseverance can transcend social barriers. The film choreographs a dance between art and life, showing how they interchange and flutter within the realm of reality and dreams.

However, the film isn't just an ordinary rags-to-riches romance. It deftly subverts the trope, by interspersing humour and clever dialogues, and adding a sincerity that invites the audience into the heart of the tale. It’s not just about the achievement of dreams, but about appreciating a simple way of life, embracing the complexities, and finding the beauty that lies around every corner.

The cinematography captures the essence of 1930s Britain, where picturesque river scenes and glorious sets observe the magnificence of tradition as well as its collision with the modern world. The sets, costumes, and choreography infuse realism and magic that makes the film an enchanting watch.

Jessie Matthews’ performance is the film's highlight. Her effervescence, coupled with her dancing and vocal talents, leaves a lasting impression. Barry MacKay and Jack Whiting also lend convincing performances, making their characters affable and memorable.

In summary, Sailing Along is a musical delight that sets sail on a voyage where dreams, love, and music intertwine. The film appeals to both audiences seeking escapism and those wishing a nostalgic journey back to the charm of the 1930s. The magnetic performances, catchy tunes, and touching narrative make it a film worth cherishing. Sailing Along is not just a movie but is a journey that takes the audience along for a picturesque ride brushing past the waves of dreams and landing on the shore of reality - truly skimming through the surface of life yet inviting a profound introspection of a dreamer’s world.