Betty Astell

A Piece of Cake

Set in the austere post–World War II British world of rationing, Cyril dreams up an ode to an imaginary character named Merlin Mound who can provide anything one can wish. Merlin becomes real and grants his host's wishes; not by conjuring the items out of thin air, but depriving them from other people's ownership, which leads to trouble.

The Mind of Mr. Reeder

Mr. Reeder, a somewhat eccentric old gentleman employed by the Director of Public Prosecutions, gets it into his head to break up a counterfeiting ring.

Jack of All Trades

In this he's on the dole, hungry and ready to do any job but quickly light-heartedly scams his way into society and a highly regarded position at a bank next to the beleaguered Robertson Hare. Here he invents a fraudulent business plan (Merrivale - you remember it surely?), the manager and chairman and another finance company are suck(er)ed in and it all snowballs from there. With of course a love interest as a dynamo.

Sunshine Ahead

'Producer stages outside broadcast despite jealous critic.' (British Film Catalogue)

Strike It Rich

Eddie Smart (George Gee) was born clumsy and is a laughing stock at work, the Sprouto Hair Tonic Company. One day a phrenologist reads his 'bumps' and pronounces him another Napoleon. Eddie becomes a changed man and issues orders to everyone. Meantime the boss believes Eddie to be the rightful owner of the company so let's him have his way. With the boss ill, Eddie invests heavily in the nutmeg market, almost bankrupting the company. By luck the research department discover that nutmeg is the secret ingredient for the new hair-restorer. The 1933 British Lion comedy feature film "Strike It Rich" starring George Gee and Gina Malo seems to be a 'lost' film on the 35mm cinema film format. However it was released (sadly savagely cut) on the UK Pathescope 9.5mm home movie film format in December 1938. One musical number was cut from the 9.5mm feature film release, but issued separately in a 9.5mm Pathe Vox Review. This print has this extra item edited back in.

Musical Film Revues

Variety performances by acts including the Albert Sandler Quartet, Betty Astell, Reggie Bristow's Band, the Modernique Quartette, Stanelli and Edgar, Terence McGovern's Band and Trio, the Nile Players, Phyllis Stanley, and Arthur Travers.

This Is the Life

This Is the Life is a 1933 British comedy film directed by Albert de Courville and starring Gordon Harker, Binnie Hale and Betty Astell. It was made at Beaconsfield Studios by British Lion.

Great Stuff

A woman's parents became robbers in a desperate effort to prevent her marrying an unsuitable man.

Cleaning Up

Tony Pumpford takes a job selling vacuum cleaners, and in doing so tangles with a chorus girl. He then accidentally ends up in the show whilst demonstrating the cleaner.

The Lost Chord

'Musician kills count in duel for wife, and later falls in love with daughter.' (British Film Catalogue)

A Tight Corner

A British comedy film directed by Leslie S. Hiscott