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Product Description
Once A Jolly Swagman is a British classic released on DVD for the first time. Centred around the sport of speedway racing (and filmed at New Cross, home to speedway from 1934 to 1963) this British gem captures genuine speedway history and hi-lights the popularity of the sport at that time. Starring a brilliant young and upcoming British star cast: Dirk Bogarde, Thora Hird, Sid James and Bill Compo Owen, Once A Jolly Swagman bursts an authentic touch of nostalgia and captures the post war spirit. Dirk Bogarde plays Bill Fox, a local factory worker. Tired of his monotonous job Bill defies his parents wishes and takes a job as a novice at the local speedway. Through the help of his manager (Sid James) Bill quickly gains success, fame and attention at the track through his daring driving. Here he meets Dotty, a glamorous society woman. As he moves into a new and exciting social circle, Bill is quick to forget his roots and his girlfriend Pat. After a sequence of quarrels with Dotty, Bill soon becomes aware of the shallowness of his existence forcing him to face a dilemma..... carry on racing and loose the woman he truly loves, or marry Pat and leave racing behind.
Product Description
United Kingdom released, PAL/Region 2 DVD: LANGUAGES: English ( Mono ), SPECIAL FEATURES: Black & White, Interactive Menu, Scene Access, SYNOPSIS: Once A Jolly Swagman is a British classic released on DVD for the first time. Centred around the sport of speedway racing (and filmed at New Cross, home to speedway from 1934 to 1963) this British gem captures genuine speedway history and hi-lights the popularity of the sport at that time. Starring a brilliant young and upcoming British star cast: Dirk Bogarde, Thora Hird, Sid James and Bill Compo Owen, Once A Jolly Swagman bursts an authentic touch of nostalgia and captures the post war spirit. Dirk Bogarde plays Bill Fox, a local factory worker. Tired of his monotonous job Bill defies his parents wishes and takes a job as a novice at the local speedway. Through the help of his manager (Sid James) Bill quickly gains success, fame and attention at the track through his daring driving. Here he meets Dotty, a glamorous society woman. As he moves into a new and exciting social circle, Bill is quick to forget his roots and his girlfriend Pat. After a sequence of quarrels with Dotty, Bill soon becomes aware of the shallowness of his existence forcing him to face a dilemma..... carry on racing and loose the woman he truly loves, or marry Pat and leave racing behind. SCREENED/AWARDED AT: BAFTA Awards, ...Once a Jolly Swagman ( Maniacs on Wheels )
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
10 of 10 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD
The plot is not all that compelling, but Once a Jolly Swagman provides an excellent view of the tremendous popularity that motorcycle speedway racing enjoyed in the years just after the Second World War. Many scenes were filmed on location at New Cross Speedway. The crowd shots are almost unbelievable compared to the paltry numbers that attend speedway matches today. The sound of the J. A. Prestwich machines is music to the ears of speedway lovers who can remember the sport before the 1970s. You can almost smell the damp shale, the burning fuel, and the Castrol R!
9 of 9 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD
A very interesting film from 1948. It is in black and white but this does not spoil the enjoyment. Great acting from some well known actors who were not so well known in 1948. Most of the story centres around speedway racing, but there are interesting side stories as well. I think anyone would enjoy this film, even if they are not interested in speedway. In a word BRILLIANT.
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD
Waited a long time for this to be released officially on dvd,brings good memories of speedway in the past when speedway was the most watched sport in the uk.Especially recommended to the people who went to speedway in the 1950s.BRILLIANT FILM!
Most Recent Customer Reviews
Once A Jolly Review
Despite the lapse of so many decades since the original filming, the programme stands up well to viewing in the present day. Read more
Published 3 months ago by Mr. J. H. Eales
Speedway is the Star!!!
I was extremely pleased to be able to buy this DVD. As a fan of Speedway I had been after it for a long time! Read more
Published 7 months ago by lindsay devereux
Great Brit Flick
This film is a lot better than I expected. I have been hearing about it for years and couldn't wait for delivery. Read more
Published 8 months ago by Mr. Dennis Hill
A well worn morality play, but ...
... set in a time and place that was unique. This is not a movie about speedway's golden years, but that era provides the setting for a nice little moral tale that has been done... Read more
Published 9 months ago by taiaha
Classic film for anyone who likes bikes!
Brought this as a gift for a friend that loves speedway and anything bike!
This was a film from his childhood and he was amazed I was able to fine it. Read more
This was a film from his childhood and he was amazed I was able to fine it. Read more
Published 10 months ago by Review it
Great 1948 flick!
Loved the movie... a great character development film! I see it as a man's struggle with himself... trying to come to terms with his values and self-definition. Read more
Published 14 months ago by Laura
Great memories for older speedway fans
A predictable plot but the sight and sound of those old speedway bikes (pre silencers)make this a great listen and watch.
Published 15 months ago by C. HOLMES
Loved It
Brought it as soon as I heard it was being released.
FANTASTIC film, great cast.
Loved every minute.
FANTASTIC film, great cast.
Loved every minute.
Published 16 months ago by gemgem347
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