Valley of Song explained

Valley of Song
Director:Gilbert Gunn
Producer:Vaughan N. Dean
Screenplay:Phil Park
Cliff Gordon
Based On:the play Choir Practice by Cliff Gordon
Starring:Mervyn Johns
Clifford Evans
Rachel Thomas
Music:Robert Gill
Cinematography:Lionel Banes
Editing:Richard Best
Studio:Associated British Picture Corporation
Released: [1]
Runtime:72 minutes
Country:United Kingdom
Language:English

Valley of Song is a 1953 British comedy drama film directed by Gilbert Gunn and starring Mervyn Johns, Clifford Evans, Maureen Swanson and the London Welsh Association Choral Society.[2] It marked the film debut of actress Rachel Roberts.[3] It was released in the U.S. as Men Are Children Twice.[4]

Premise

Fierce rivalries flare to the surface in a small Welsh town over a coveted role in the local choir.

Cast

Production

Filmed on location in Carmarthenshire in 1952, as well as at Elstree Studios, Valley of Song marks the first film appearance of Rachel Roberts and the first film credit of Kenneth Williams, both of whom worked together in Swansea repertory theatre in 1950 under the directorship of Clifford Evans, who also stars in the film.

Release

After the initial trade screening to cinema bookers on 26 February 1953, Valley of Song had four simultaneous World premieres in Wales, opening at cinemas in Cardiff, Newport, Merthyr Tydfil, and Swansea, all on 13 April 1953.

Critical reception

Eye for Film noted "an enjoyable if somewhat low-key story which, at 72 minutes in length, would make for a suitably harmonious Sunday afternoon. From the whistle of the steam trains, to the film’s score, provided courtesy of the London Welsh Association Choral Society, Valley Of Song is a pleasing if utterly unchallenging delight."[5]

References

  1. Web site: 75 Years of Choir Practice . Art & Hue . 2021 . 8 April 2021.
  2. Web site: Valley of Song (1953). https://web.archive.org/web/20090117233939/http://ftvdb.bfi.org.uk/sift/title/56301. dead. 2009-01-17.
  3. Web site: Rachel Roberts | Movies and Filmography .
  4. Web site: Valley of Song (1953) - Gilbert Gunn - Synopsis, Characteristics, Moods, Themes and Related - AllMovie. AllMovie.
  5. Web site: Valley Of Song (1953) Movie Review from Eye for Film. www.eyeforfilm.co.uk.