Projecting the Archive

It’s Love Again

+ intro by Maureen Footer, author of Feel the Floor: Restoring the Life and Legacy of Jazz Choreographer Buddy Bradley

This ultra-stylish Jessie Matthews musical is a brilliant comedy of mistaken identity.

  • Director

    Victor Saville

  • With

    Jessie Matthews, Robert Young, Sonnie Hale, Ernest Milton

  • UK 1936. 84min

  • 35mm

  • Certificate

    U

  • A BFI National Archive Print

When the exotic Mrs Smythe-Smythe descends on London, society is captivated by her glamour and accomplishments. But her appearance is a surprise to go-getting reporter Peter Carlton, who invented the character to boost his newspaper career. One of Jessie Matthews’ finest screen outings, the film’s oriental-inspired costumes and extravagant dance numbers show why she was one of the biggest stars of the 1930s. Buddy Bradley’s choreography is exceptional, and, combined with the snappy dialogue by American writer Marion Dix and Alfred Junge’s lavish sets, make this a rare British rival to the Hollywood musical.

See the Library talk New Writings: Feel the Floor – Restoring the Life and Legacy of Jazz Choreographer Buddy Bradley with Maureen Footer on Wednesday 8 July.

Film on Film