The Smallest Show On Earth

"The Smallest Show On Earth" is a delightful British comedy film from 1957, directed by Basil Dearden and starring Virginia McKenna, Bill Travers, and Margaret Rutherford. Fondly remembered, it offers a fun-filled trip back in time to the golden era of the United Kingdom's cinema industry.

In this classic comedy, an unsuspecting young couple, played by Virginia McKenna and Bill Travers, learns that they have inherited a "large" cinema from a deceased, distant relative. Dreaming of owning their very own cinema, their hopes are dashed when they arrive to find that their "dream property" is merely a decrepit movie house, whimsically named Bijou, but better known locally as "The Flea Pit." This revelation is just the start of their comical journey as they learn that their newly acquired cinema is far from what they had envisaged.

With a story that is both heartwarming, comical, and poignant, "The Smallest Show On Earth" superbly captures the charm and allure of an older generation of theatres that were once the lifeblood of small towns and cities. The film masterfully leverages the contrast between the rundown Bijou and its extravagant competitor, the Grand, run by a shrewd businessman, to bring humour and heart to the narrative.

The cast of the film is another highlight, with brilliant performances from actors who were already established stars or soon-to-become leading figures in the industry. Virginia McKenna, who was a prominent figure in the British film industry in the 1950s and 60s, plays the wife with an elegance that adds realism and depth to her character. Bill Travers, as her optimistic husband, counters the disappointment of the Bijou's state with his determination. The on-screen chemistry between the two is delightful to watch and adds an extra layer of charm to the film.

Margaret Rutherford, who fans will remember from the Miss Marple series, delivers a sterling performance as the lovable and eccentric old cashier of the Bijou. She is accompanied by a small team of loyal yet hilariously inept employees- an old projectionist (played by a scene-stealing Peter Sellers in one of his earliest roles) and an elderly usher (played by Bernard Miles). They, along with Rutherford, are nostalgic reminders of the golden age of cinema and provide many of the film's funniest moments.

The film offers a delightful blend of comedy and drama that maintains its appeal across different generations. While there's plenty of laughter, the film also maintains a warm feel throughout, with its emphasis on nostalgia and subtle commentary on the fast-changing world of cinema during the time. The film examines the fear of change and the enduring appeal of tradition and the connectedness a local cinema provides for a community.

"The Smallest Show On Earth" charms its audience with its timeless wit and humour, combined with a nostalgia-inducing recreation of a bygone era of the British cinema landscape. It showcases the struggle between mass commercial entertainment and the charm of the old world in a hilarious and compassionate way.

The film’s setting is beautifully realised, with the Bijou's décor, machinery, and the overall sense of a forgotten generation offering a deep sense of nostalgia. The dilapidated, but somehow still operational, Bijou theatre is practically a character on its own, augmenting the narrative with its storied presence. Even without special effects or action scenes, director Basil Dearden engages our visual senses through creative cinematography, inspired framing, and well-choreographed physical comedy.

"The Smallest Show On Earth" is a gem from the treasure trove of 1950s British cinema – a touching and humorous ode to a time when the local theatre was far more than just a place to see a film. As tragic as it is funny, the film captures the constant confrontation between progress and tradition, making it a worthy watch for both its humour and its heart.

This film deftly uses the universal love of cinema to tell a story that is satisfying and timeless. Despite its origins in the 1950s, it remains fresh and entertaining even for audiences today, making it a must-watch for movie lovers who appreciate well-crafted vintage cinema.