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40% Critic Match
My Old Dutch
“MEET Lil and Bert and all the folks, real understanding, homely people, bringing to a modern age the spirit of Albert Chevalier's immortal song.”
4.0 / 10• 1934• 1h 24m•NR• English
Drama
Storyline
Moving family drama of the life of a working-class Hackney couple over 40 years, inspired by the famous music hall song This moving family drama - with time for some laughs - portrays the life and hardships of a working class Hackney couple over a span of 40 years. Our intrepid couple (wonderfully played by Betty Balfour and Michael Hogan) have to face everything life throws at them with fortitude, from the Great War (a son in the RAF and zeppelin raids) to a raging oil fire during the Great Strike. The inimitable Gordon Harker provides sterling support. The film the couple watch at the cinema is the 1915 version of My Old Dutch, starring Albert Chevalier (writer of the original music hall song) and Florence Turner. As the complete silent film is now believed to be lost, this 1934 version contains the only surviving footage.
Cast & Crew
Betty Balfour
Lil
Lead
Gordon Harker
Ernie
Bill Shine
Cousin Arry
Frank Pettingell
Uncle Alf
RN
Robert Nainby
Grandpa
Peter Gawthorne
Mr. Paraday
GL
Glennis Lorimer
Valerie Paraday
Mickey Brantford
Jim
What People Are Saying
2.0
“A staggering achievement of craft and ambition. Sinclair Hill's vision lands with breathtaking precision.”
3.0
“Every frame feels alive. My Old Dutch is the rare release that takes its audience seriously.”
