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Clip description
Ann Rudd (Yvonne East) and Jim Webster (Grant Taylor) kiss on the terrace at the Webster’s swanky reception. Jim’s father Henry (Frank Harvey) is not impressed to see the Rudds at his party. He accuses Dad Rudd (Bert Bailey) of gatecrashing, then announces that he will stand for the upcoming by-election. After establishing with Mum (Connie Martyn) that the Rudds do indeed have an invitation, Dad announces his own candidacy in the by-election.
Curator’s notes
Cinesound productions of the late 1930s strove hard to create scenes of great glamour, as well as comedy. This is supposed to be a country house, but it looks more like the ballroom of a city mansion, with guests from city society. Dad Rudd has had no trouble charming them with tall tales of country life; he is at home in any company, at least when he feels he has been invited. The wide shot, after he has been humiliated by Henry Webster, shows how quickly his feelings about such people can change. He then goes on the attack, with a speech that’s aggressively proletarian – albeit, in a rural sort of way. The scene is a good illustration of Bert Bailey’s versatility – from raconteur and charmer, he becomes very stormy, and finally, the aggrieved common man protecting his family’s honour.
