British Pathe

Introductory intertitle reads: "Every now and then to most of us comes the urge to be natural and make whoopee in our own particular way. A theatrical garden party is a good jumping-off point."

Low angle shot of a man standing on a side-show stage. He wears a large fur coat and bangs a large...

Introductory intertitle reads: "Every now and then to most of us comes the urge to be natural and make whoopee in our own particular way. A theatrical garden party is a good jumping-off point."

Low angle shot of a man standing on a side-show stage. He wears a large fur coat and bangs a large drum. Group of people stand and watch him, some of them look at the camera. A sign behind him reads: "The Grand Giggle". M/S of people walking around the garden party. Nice C/U of two girls riding the "galloping horses". Intertitle reads: "Even the smallest of slides can raise a smile - " Girls are seen queuing up for,- then coming down a slide - the cameraman is obviously hoping for a flash of knickers.

Henry Hall and his band are seen all sitting squashed together on the slide - cute shot. Henry screws his face up - band members hold their instruments.

Large sign over a tent reads: "At the Sign of the Golden Goblet - Hold my Hand -and Drink Heartily with the Gaiety Theatre Co. Under the direction of Stanley Lupino, Jessie Matthews*, Harry Milton, Billy Leonard, Marjery (sic) Wyn. Stanley Lupino stands with two glamour girls - one of is Chili Bouchier - Stanley introduces her as Dorothy Bouchier (Dorothy was Chili's real name) and the other as Dorothy Boyd (?). The man beside them is probably Harry Milton (Chili's husband). Stanley encourages onlookers to spend some money "Come on - it's for charity."

Intertitle reads: "Another lucky man gets a dance with Evelyn Laye." M/S of a man doing an elegant dance with Evelyn - presumably he has paid for the pleasure. M/S of group of people at a picnic table watching a young boy tap-dance. M/S of the boy dancing - he wears a gendarmes (?) uniform.

"Hale Family well met," (Nelson Keys might have said.)" M/S of Nelson Keys and two other theatrical stars not recognised - perhaps the woman is Binnie Hale? The other man doesn't look like Sonnie Hale - could be Robert Hale. They seem to be appealing for money. M/S of group of theatrical types fishing for bottles of champagne. Closer shot of the group.

"Anybody know this lady - ? (No prize offered - it's Gwen Farrar.)" L/Ss of people walking around the garden party. M/S of people throwing wet sponges. The target is comedienne Gwen Farrar who ducks up and down behind a screen to avoid the missiles. She wears a large top hat. Not sure who the people throwing the sponges are - presumably actors and actresses rather than the public.

Gwen pops up and down curling her lip - I think this is one of her trademarks.

Note: we don't actually see Jessie Matthews in this film although she is mentioned in a sign above a tent. She is probably hiding from Chili Bouchier and Evelyn Laye - both of whose husbands were led astray by Jessie!

Note: correct spelling of Chili's name is Chili - but for search purposes also Chilli.