Review for Courtneys of Curzon Street (The)

Anna Neagle is something of a forgotten star - Britain’s own all-singing all-dancing glamour puss making huge waves in the pre-war / post-war years right up to the mid 1950’s. Starting her career in song and dance, as such a huge box-office draw she progressed to some impressive dramatic roles too including the title role in WWII drama, Odette and her memorable role as Florence Nightingale.



But the bulk of her career was spent in musicals, usually paired with Michael Wilding. ‘The Courtneys of Curzon Street’ (aka ‘Kathy’s Love affair’) probably belongs in this populist cluster though is arguably a little better than most.


‘The Courtney’s of Curzon Street’ is a crowd-pleasing melodrama stretching out across three generations. Edward Courtney (Michael Wilding), an aristocrat, falls in love with and marries the daughter of one of the houses servants (Kathy – Anna Neagle), much to the disdain of his family and so-called friends.


Despite their love for one another, the strain if their different worlds eventually takes its toll and, taking the advice of a bitter ex-lover of Edwards, the Irish born maid leaves him as she believes she is holding him back. 



Unfortunately for Edward, it transpires that she is carrying his child – a son who she will raise on her own without his knowledge. As a military man, believing his wife had left as the strain was causing her unhappiness, he throws himself into his work, returning to a post in India where he gets a reputation as a loner. In the meantime, his wife Kathy starts to develop a career in London music hall, over time becoming a huge and popular star.


At the advent of the Great War, Edward sees the visiting star at his camp as she sings to rally the troops. After a decade apart they are thrown back together and Edward is introduced to his son, a plucky and well educated young man who is keen to follow in his Father’s footsteps.


So when his son meets and falls in love with a young lady who believes she is below him, the parents welcome her with open arms to their family, fully understanding the pressures that this can bring. By grim coincidence (look away now if you don’t want the plot completely spoiled) the son perishes in battle and his wife dies that same night giving birth to another son. 


It is now up to the grandparents to raise the child as their own. Edward has left the army and Kathy has left the theatre. Edward is now involved in the City, making money hand over fist in what he describes as a ‘battle’, applying all his army vigour to success. But when the market collapses it looks as though even the family home will be lost. In an effort to save the day, Kathy makes a triumphant return to the theatre.


Eventually, the Grandson follows the family tradition and joins the army. With the outbreak of WWII, Edward decides that his experience and skills should be put to good use (despite his advancing years) and he joins up too. And so the cycle continues.


Whilst a bit melodramatic and soap-like for my tastes, the film has been smartly shot and directed and moves along at a steady and entertaining pace, even by today’s standards. 

The print used here looks to be in very fine condition and the transfer excellent. After all, it’s a film that is now nearly seventy years old.

All in all, a worthwhile addition to any collection of classic British film and an entertaining family to boot.