Oh Mr Porter

Oh Mr Porter! is a British comedy film from 1937 that has become one of the most beloved and enduring films of its era. The film stars Will Hay as William Porter, a bumbling and hapless railway employee who is sent to the remote village of Buggleskelly to oversee the closure of the branch line there. Along the way, he crosses paths with a host of eccentric and colorful characters, including two fellow railway workers, played by Moore Marriott and Graham Moffatt, as well as a group of bumbling revolutionaries, a love-struck heiress, and a no-nonsense station master.

The plot of Oh Mr Porter! is relatively simple, following Porter's efforts to shut down the Buggleskelly branch line and return to his regular job in London. However, the charm of the film lies in its excellent performances and sharp, witty writing. Will Hay is at his very best in the role of Porter, bringing his trademark blend of affable incompetence and wry humor to the character. He is ably supported by Moore Marriott and Graham Moffatt, who play his two sidekicks, Albert and Harbottle, with a mix of childlike mischief and endearing naivete.

The film is full of memorable scenes and one-liners, from the classic "Sausage Story" that Porter tells to his co-workers to his hilarious attempts to navigate the eccentricities of life in Buggleskelly. Along the way, he encounters a number of obstacles that threaten to derail his plans, including a group of bumbling revolutionaries who mistake him for a spy, a love-struck heiress who mistakes him for someone else entirely, and a stern station master who is determined to keep the branch line open at all costs.

One of the greatest strengths of Oh Mr Porter! is its ability to balance comedy and pathos in a way that feels both effortless and sincere. The film is full of moments that are genuinely moving and heartfelt, such as the scene where Porter discovers the true reason behind the station master's determination to keep the branch line open. At the same time, the film never loses its sense of fun and lightheartedness, with plenty of slapstick and visual gags to keep audiences laughing throughout.

Overall, Oh Mr Porter! is a true classic of British comedy, a film that has endured for over eighty years and continues to delight audiences to this day. With its memorable characters, witty writing, and timeless humor, it remains a must-see for fans of classic cinema and comedy alike. Whether you're a longtime fan or a newcomer to the film, it's easy to see why Oh Mr Porter! has earned its place as one of the most beloved and enduring films of its era.