Follow a Star ** (1959, Norman Wisdom, June Laverick, Jerry Desmonde, Hattie Jacques, John le Mesurier, Richard Wattis, Fenella Fielding, Ron Moody) – Classic Movie Review 11,218

Director Robert Asher’s 1959 British black and white comedy Follow a Star stars Norman Wisdom as Norman Truscott, a meek and mild tailor/ wannabee singer, employed by croaky crooner Vernon Carew (Jerry Desmonde) to sing to his lip movements, in this creaky old comedy story with its unwise echoes of much better films like Singin’ in the Rain. Even more unwisely, Wisdom heads determinedly and effortlessly for the Jerry Lewis territory of too much sentimentality and too few laughs.

Forget following the star and instead follow the splendid roster of Brit character actors of the day – notably including Hattie Jacques (as Wisdom’s tutor, Dymphna Dobson), John le Mesurier, Richard Wattis, Fenella Fielding and Ron Moody.

It also stars June Laverick as Wisdom’s girl Judy.

Also in the cast are Sydney Tafler, Charles Heslop, Joe Melia, Richard Caldicot, Pauline Chamberlain, Peggy Ann Clifford (as Offended Lady at Party uncredited), Jess Conrad (as Theatre Heckler #3 uncredited), Pat Coombs (as Simpering Girl in Theatre uncredited), Dick Emery (as Inebriated Party Guest uncredited), Charles Gray (as Taciturn Man at Party uncredited)), Glyn Houston, Edie Martin, George Merritt, Robert Raglan, Sabrina and Marianne Stone.

So much brilliant talent, just wasted.

Norman Wisdom’s young son Nick Wisdom and daughter Jaqui Wisdom appear, as kids receiving music lessons.

The film is shot in black and white by Jack Asher, best known for his work for Hammer Films, but who is also the younger brother of the director.

The original screenplay is by Jack Davies, Henry Blyth and Norman Wisdom.

Follow a Star is directed by Robert Asher, runs 102 minutes, is made by The Rank Organisation, is released by Rank Film Distributors (1959) (UK) and Zenith International Films (1961) (US), is written by Jack Davies, Henry Blyth and Norman Wisdom is shot in black and white by Jack Asher, is produced by Earl St John (executive producer) and Hugh Stewart, is scored by Philip Green, and is designed by Maurice Carter.

It is released by Carlton Visual Entertainment (2003) (UK) (DVD).

June Laverick was born in 1931 in Redcar, North Yorkshire, where her parents ran The Royal Hotel on the sea front.

June Laverick (born 11 June 1931) is a retired English film, TV and stage actress. Her peak year in films was 1958, where she appeared in three prominent film roles, notably opposite Tommy Steele in The Duke Wore Jeans, as well as The Gypsy and the Gentleman (1958) as Sarah Deverill, and The Son of Robin Hood (1958) as Deering Hood daughter of Robin Hood.

© Derek Winnert 2021 Classic Movie Review 11,218

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