The Moonraker [DVD]

Being a Moonraker myself by birth, I was very interested in watching this film again. Wiltshiremen were long known by that name as a result of a legend surrounding smugglers who were caught by the excise men trying to rake out their contraband hidden the village pond, and when questioned as to what they were doing they pleaded that they were trying to rake the moon out of the water. The excise men left thinking them to be simpletons. A nice legend that even gets a mention in the film. I saw the film a few years ago on TV and was impressed by the quality so decided to treat myself to the DVD. This British attempt to compete with the Hollywood big budget swashbucklers is a very worthy effort indeed. There is another Wiltshire connection with the lead actor George Baker whom I had the pleasure of meeting, albeit briefly at his home in our County a few years ago, and what a nice fellow he turned out to be.

The film is set just after the end of the English Civil War and opens with a clandestine meeting at Stonehenge, which for those geographically challenged is in, yes you've guessed it, Wiltshire. This was in the days before the Druids, solstice revellers and the miles of razor wire. The dashing Moonraker aka Lord Dawlish is engaged in smuggling the son of the executed Charles 1 out of the country. All highly fictionalised I should add! They have a number of close shaves with Oliver Cromwell's Roundheads who are in hot pursuit. This results in plenty of swordplay and galloping horses. Will they be able to reach the coast and catch the boat that will carry them to safety?

Whilst it has to be admitted that the swordplay is not up to Basil Rathbone and Errol Flynn standards, there is so much else to admire in this little known very British film. The beautiful colour picture has held up incredibly well, doing full credit to the the splendid period costumes which are commendably convincing. The British countryside looks ravishingly verdant, evoking a more pastoral time. The film even has an exciting swordfight taking place to a backdrop of spectacular coastal scenery, reminiscent of "The Vikings", also made in 1958. George Baker who was more a second tier star copes very well as the dashing lead, showing some commendable athleticism and surprisingly good horsemanship for a big man. He is backed up by an interesting cast that includes John LeMesurier as Cromwell. Former Dr Who Patrick Troughton plays a Roundhead officer. Marius Goring is the Roundhead given the task of capturing the Moonraker, aided by his evil agent Peter Arne. The portly Paul Whitsun-Jones steals the show as a blustering Royalist sympathiser who comes to the aid of his King. He provides the films good humour single handedly, and makes a fine job of it. As is so often the case I have even managed to find an unlikely western connection with this film. Michael Anderson jnr who went on to star with John Wayne in "The Sons of Katie Elder" and also in Sam Peckinpah's "Major Dundee", oddly plays a very American West Country landlord's son. The film is roistering good fun and is handsome to look at. You could never call it a classic, but it provides good entertainment in a very proud to be British sort of way. I enjoyed it.

Postscript. George Baker, MBE, born 1st April 1931, died 7th October 2011 aged 80 years, West Lavington, Wiltshire. RIP.

Made in England by Elstree Studios in 1957, this 79min costume drama depicts the swashbuckling adventures of the fictional Lord Dawlish(George Baker) alias 'The Moonraker'; as he risks all to abet the escape from Cromwell's England of the future King Charles the Second. Sylvia Syms plays Miss Anne Wyndham, the would-be bride of Cromwell's "most feared man in England" Colonel Beaumont(Maurius Goring), swept off her feet by the softly spoken but gallant, sophisticated Lord Dawlish. The plot is simple but entertaining, the swordplay is energetic, and the players both well cast and well spoken. To my mind, Paul Whitsun-Jones steals the show with his preformance as the 'gentleman' Parfitt, a fat brandy swilling Royalist loudmouth who, despite his overbearing manner; can fight and die like a hero for the Royalist cause he loves. The late John Le Mesurier of 'Dads Army' fame, also puts in a brief appearance as Oliver Cromwell.The Moonraker [DVD] [1957]

Once I had read "Captain Spindrift"'s review I was intrigued, not only by his review of the film but by the additional interesting information. Having now bought and watched the film I can say I thoroughly enjoyed it - it may be dated but it's great fun and well made. George Baker is an extremely attractive and vigorous lead and it was interesting to see Patrick Troughton with that distinctive profile no one could miss. Wiltshire looks absolutely idyllic but has probably been urbanised a good deal since - well, Stonehenge is a case in point. I'm revisiting UK in March and am very tempted to veer from the areas we had planned to tour and head in a more southerly direction. I am a great Wexford fan and George Baker is very much missed, even in the Antipodes.