Let George do it- with a LEICA

The subject of this blog is rather out of the run of technical items that have been posted recently. It does follow the random spotting of Leica references that have been reported in detective novels and similar places over the years.

The blog concerns George Formby who appeared in a film called 'Let George do it'  which became a minor catch phrase during WW11. Released, I suspect, early in 1940 and so having been made so early in the war it's titles include a warning that events had already moved on prior to release. In May 1940 Norway was invaded and fell to the Nazis but the film seems to have been made between September 1939 when UK declared war and that date. More about the tell-tale cutting later. The plot, if any, concerns a Ukulele player who is mistaken for a British Agent and ends up on a mission at a Hotel in Bergen via a North Sea overnight Ferry. Despite total confusion over bedrooms in the usual manner, some of his greatest hit songs are superimposed at random points. A large orchestra in the pre- war dance band style is also involved.

In the course of adventures in Norway George manages to take pictures of 'the secret plans' using a new looking Leica 111 in a glossy case found in a room occupied by the 'other side'. He escapes only to fall into a bread making machine following which he and the Leica  are eventually rescued from a bread oven. I think you get the level of intellect involved. A subtle touch leaves a room full of bakers, and flour, looking for another camera! The Leica was not just a passing prop but appears in several scenes and is shown in use by George.

Needless to say George triumphs but not before the heavy hand of the Ministry of Information can be detected. Our Hero is persuaded to fly home in a barrage balloon which somehow lands on the dais at a Nuremberg rally alongside Hitler. The dictator is promptly told that he is George's 'last territorial demand in Europe' to which Hitler threatens to have him beheaded. All of which sounds a little too researched for Ealing Studios. Needless to say Hitler is demolished by one punch and the rest of the Germans start dancing with joy. If one has failed to realise what a charade this is then the final scene will confirm your views when George wrecks a U-boat and is ejected from the torpedo tube onto the Newcastle ferry and the prize, as you guessed -Phyllis Calvert.

Let George do it (US. To Hell with Hitler ) 1940 Dir. Marcel Varnel.  Prod. Michael Balcon Ealing Studios. Starring George Formby. Phyllis Calvert. Released 12th July 1940.

NOTE.

Nothing above is intended to detract from the fine war of George Formby who, with many others, entertained troops at home and abroad during the Second World War.