This film essentially harks back to the 40's and early 50's when big bands ruled the airwaves of popular music together with ballad singers like Denis Lotis and his ilk. However, by 1956, when this film was released, this type of easy listening music was being swept away by more exciting and vibrant sounds of rock 'n' roll. It was great to see the great band leader Ted Heath, but this film, even in 1956 must have had a very dated feel about it when it hit the cinemas, since teenagers had begun to buy, listen and dance to a completely different type of music! The story line about two music composers who hit upon the idea of playing music backwards, hoping it would prove to be a commercial success was frankly daft. George Cole and Terence Morgan are ill suited as the 'young men' thirsting for musical success, as they look like two very dull, middle - aged men in suits, who are totally unconvincing in their roles. The songs featured are lifeless and the dialogue is tedious! It might be ok to watch this film on a cold, rainy afternoon for purely reasons of nostalgia!
Review of It's a Wonderful World
