Off the Dole
1935 British film
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Off the Dole is a 1935 British film starring George Formby. Formby appeared as John Willie, a stage character originally developed by his father, George Formby, Sr.; Beryl Formby, Formby Jnr's wife, also appeared in the film.
- John E. Blakeley
- Arthur Mertz
- George Formby
- Beryl Formby
- Constance Shotter
- Dan Crisp
- James Plant
| Off the Dole | |
|---|---|
Theatrical release poster | |
| Directed by | Arthur Mertz |
| Written by |
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| Produced by | John E. Blakeley |
| Starring |
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| Cinematography | John W. Boyle |
| Edited by | Dennis Cantlan |
| Music by | Arthur L Ward |
Production company | |
Release date |
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Running time | 87 minutes |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Language | English |
Plot
John Willie has his dole money denied him for moonlighting and not trying to find work. His uncle asks him to take over his detective agency.
Cast
- George Formby as John Willie
- Beryl Formby as Grace, Charm and Ability
- Constance Shotter as Irene
- Dan Crisp as The Inimitable Dude
- James Plant as Crisp and Debonaire
- Stan Pell as The Most Inoffensive Parson
- Stan Little as Little Jack
- Tully Comber as Measured for his Part
- Clifford McLaglen as A Villain and Proud of It
- Wally Patch as Revels in his Part
Background/production
Off the Dole cost £3,000 to make, and earned £80,000 at the box office.[1] As with Formy's previous film, Boots! Boots! (1934), the film was in a revue format, and also showed Formby in the role of John Willie; Beryl was his co-star.[2][3] According to Formby's biographer, the cultural historian Jeffrey Richards, the two films "are an invaluable record of the pre-cinematic Formby at work".[4]
