Where's That Fire?

Released in 1939, "Where's That Fire?" is a classic British comedy film of the late 1930s that combines the elements of humor, satire, and intrigue masterfully. The film stars celebrated British comedian Will Hay, teamed up with Moore Marriott and Graham Moffatt, who through their successful comedic collaborations were referenced colloquially in media as "the third comic", and became immensely influential in British comedy.

Directed by Marcel Varnel, based on a script by J.O.C Orton, Marriott Edgar, and Val Guest, Where's That Fire? takes the audience into a captivating world of comedic mishaps, laughable adventures, and uproarious bungling attempts at firefighting. Cinematography by Arthur Crabtree and music score by Louis Levy tidily add to the flavorful film experience.

Set in the small, fictional town of Blithering, the story revolves around three well-intentioned, yet completely inept volunteer firefighters – Captain Benjamin Viking (Will Hay), Jeremiah Harbottle (Moore Marriott), and Albert Brown (Graham Moffatt). This iconic trio, with their lack of professional training and abundance of comic actions, presents the perfect recipe for laughter as they attempt to carry out their firefighting duties.

The central figure, Captain Benjamin Viking, is portrayed by Will Hay, one of the prominent comic figures of the time known for playing the role of bungling authority figures. His character, Viking, is the capricious leader of the fire station, who unfortunately, has more interest in solving the town's crossword puzzles than tend to the town's fires.

Moore Marriott portraying Jeremiah Harbottle -the oldest member of the brigade and the fire engine driver, and Graham Moffatt, the juvenile, chubby, and somewhat lazy character Albert Brown, bring their own unique and eccentric humor, complementing Hay's comedic style flawlessly. The camaraderie and comic timing between these three characters provide the audience with relentless entertainment.

The plot thickens with Captain Benjamin Viking's obsession to invent a fire extinguishing bomb, which he believes will revolutionize firefighting. Yet, the team's ineptness and overall comical tactics provide hindrances in his path. The town members are just about as confident in Viking's invention as they are in the trio's ability to put out a fire without wreaking havoc. Accordingly, the town's confidence further dwindles when a series of fires break out across the town and the trio's hilarious incompetency surfaces. However, Viking's invention might hold the key to their redemption.

There are several subplots that run along and interweave with the central narrative, involving an ancient charter, a lord, and a potential bout of unforeseen heroism, each contributing to the rollercoaster of comedy and intrigue that the film unfolds.

"Where's That Fire?" is a great example of the quintessential British slapstick comedy of its time. It is a film cherished for its blend of physical comedy, witty dialogues, and social satire. Besides its humorous overtones, the film also reflects social commentary on the era's economic struggles and makes playful, critical jabs at the bucolic simplicity of life in a small town.

Depending on your taste for classic comedy films, Where's That Fire? provides a joyous cavalcade of chuckles and laughter. It's a showcase of the comedic genius of Will Hay, Moore Marriott, and Graham Moffatt, supported by a sturdy cast and crew that beautifully executed their respective roles.

The movie stretches beyond its primary genre, pulling elements of absurdity and parody with the way the characters demonstrate their job as firefighters, often resulting in chaotic comedy. It is wonderfully nostalgic comedy gold, a delightful watch for those who enjoy humor from a simpler time.

In summation, "Where's That Fire?" is a hilarious tour-de-force about a bunch of bumbling small-town firefighters that provide laughter from beginning to end. While this may not be a critically acclaimed film, it certainly holds a soft spot for those who have a taste for quintessential British comedic classics.