Old Bones of the River

Old Bones of the River is a hilarious British comedy movie from 1938, directed by Marcel Varnel, and starring Will Hay, Graham Moffatt, and Moore Marriott.

Will Hay plays the role of Dr. Benjamin Twist, an inept schoolteacher who is forced to take on a job as a district commissioner in a remote African village. Twist is accompanied by two bumbling sidekicks, Harbottle (Moore Marriott) and Albert (Graham Moffatt). The threesome sets out to Africa with high hopes of a new life and an escape from London.

But they soon find themselves in over their heads, as they must deal with the corrupt local chief and his henchmen, and an evil doctor who is using voodoo to control the villagers.

The three men must use their wits, ingenuity, and comic timing to save the day and restore peace in the village. But with each blunder and misstep, they seem to make things worse.

As Dr. Twist, Will Hay is at his comedic best, using his portrayal of the bumbling but well-meaning teacher to great effect. Moore Marriott and Graham Moffatt are equally hilarious as his sidekicks, providing both slapstick and cerebral humor to balance out the comedy.

The movie is full of memorable moments, including a chase scene through the African jungle, a hilarious scene involving a water pump and a stampede, and a sequence in which Dr. Twist tries to teach the natives cricket.

The film's humor is lighthearted and playful, making it a perfect family-friendly movie. While the premise of white men coming to Africa and saving the locals may seem dated, the movie has a charming innocence and sincerity that make it endearing.

The movie's cinematography is also worth a mention, as it beautifully captures the African landscape and the vibrant colors of the locals' clothing and customs.

Overall, Old Bones of the River is a delightful and timeless classic that will have you laughing out loud and feeling good. It's a must-see for fans of Will Hay, British comedies, and classic cinema in general.