Brass Monkey is a 1948 British comedy thriller with musical asides, directed by Thornton Freeland. It stars Carroll Levis, a radio variety show host and talent scout (known as "Britain's favourite Canadian")[citation needed] and American actress Carole Landis in her last film. Also known as The Lucky Mascot, the film features an early appearance by comic actor Terry-Thomas, playing himself.[1]
Though made in 1948, Brass Monkey wasn't released in the US until 1951.[2][3]
Plot
Popular radio presenter Carroll Levis, and Kay Sheldon find themselves entangled in a web of smuggling and murder. When a priceless "brass monkey" is stolen from a Japanese temple and smuggled into England, Levis encounters the eccentric Mr. Ryder-Harris, a Buddhist art connoisseur who's chasing the artefact, and will apparently stop at nothing to get it. The monkey is missing and suspicious murders are being committed in the hunt for its retrieval. With the help of the Discoveries radio talent, Levis attempts to avoid murderous henchman Herbert Lom, and foil Mr. Ryder-Harris's plans. Amongst all the mayhem, an array of musical and comedy performers audition for and appear on The Levis Hour, the hero's weekly radio programme.[1][2][4][5]
Landis arrived in England to make the film in August 1947.[6] Landis reportedly said that she encouraged the English actors to speak more slowly so that U.S. audiences could understand them.[7]
Songs
"It's the Greatest Business in the world" by Gaby Rogers – staged by Buddy Bradley
"Somebody Blew My Bluebird's Egg" by Noel Langley and Pat Quin
"I Know Myself Too Well" by Ross Parker
"Tomorrow's Rainbow" by Colin Campbell
Critical reception
Time Out called the film a "ramshackle support feature", and concluded it was "a curio, but not really a collectible."[8]
In a contemporary review, The Geraldton Guardian called The Brass Monkey, a "well told story."[5]
Sky Movies wrote, "a rough (very rough) and tumble British comedy-thriller spun round the then popular shows featuring Carroll Levis. ... Not much as a film ... But of undoubted interest for its extraordinary cast."[9]
^THOMAS F. BRADY (20 August 1947). "STUDIO TO REFILM SCENES IN PICTURE: Eagle Lion, in Agreement With Fox Will Retake Sequences in Completed Melodrama". New York Times. p. 24.
