Foreign affaires is a British comedy starring and directed by Tom Walls. The film was written by acclaimed British comedy writer Ben Travers. The film included many members from the stage production – The Aldwych Farces. The Aldwych Farces was written by Travers and Walls in their younger days. The film is about two British low life’s trying to survive in France by gambling. The film also stars Ralph Lynn, Robertson Hare, Norma Varden and Cecil Parker.
The film is the classic situation of misunderstandings, misjudged schemes and villainous villains. The acting is clearly done by stage actors that bring a very unique style to the film. The film’s hilarious cast has a lot of chemistry together and the pacing of the film is quite fast for a stage inspired piece. Wells and Lynn play the two scandalous leads with the Cecil Parker as the villainous Lord Wormwood who embodies every villain of the classic stage era, including his villainous mustache twirling.
The Legendary Tom Wells
The film was released in 1935 and distributed by Gainsborough Pictures. The film stars Tom Wells, Ralph Lynn, Roberston Hare and Cecil Parker as Lord Wormington. Tom Walls would go on to feature in many well received films, working with his long time comedic cohorts, Ben Travers and Ralph Lynn including Leap Year, Dirty Work, A Cup of Kindness, The Blarney Stone and A Night Like This.
Tom Kirby in his Break out Role
Tom Kirby started in musical comedy touring the stages of Britain, America and Australia. He was known for his comedic portrayals of lecherous middle aged men. He eventually went into stage management with his working partner, comic actor Leslie Henson. After staging a series of performances at Aldwych Theatre, turning many productions into films. His releases totaled nearly 40 films between 1930 and 1949.Wells also included horse racing when not in films or plays. He owned stables in Surrey that would go on to produce 150 winning horses.
John Robertson Hare gained fame through working in Wells and Ralph Lynn’s Aldwych Farces. He only received his big break playing in the farces after the First World War. His small stature and unassuming appearance was great for the characters he ended up playing. After his stage and film run with Wells and Lynn, he went on to even more fame with his role as Archdeacon on the BBC sitcom, All Gas and Gaiters in the 60s.
Ralph Lynn in One of his Best
Ralph Clyfford Lynn went on to have a career spanning 60 years ,starting with his work on Well’s and Travers Aldwych Farce performances. His biggest break was with his performance in Tons Of Money with Wells. His work at the Aldwych would go on for 10 years. Lynn continued his stage career after the Second World War with his West End hit, Is Your Honeymoon Really Necessary? He continued working with Ben Travers for many years, garnering acclaim and success until 1958. Wells, Lynn and Hare would go on for many years working with Traver’s writing, carving out a memorable career and setting the standards for comedy and film in general.