I Didn't Do It is a 1945 British comedy crime film directed by Marcel Varnel and starring George Formby, Dennis Wyndham and Carl Jaffe. It was written by Howard Irving Young, Stephen Black, Norman Lee, Peter Fraser and Michael Vaughan.
Contents
Plot
A man named George Trotter staying at a theatrical boarding house is framed for a murder.
Stage-struck George Trotter from Manchester arrives at a London theatrical boarding-house. When resident Hilary Vance murders the man in the room next to Trotters, he frames Trotter.
Cast
George Formby as George Trotter
Billy Caryll as Tiger Tubbs
Hilda Mundy as Ma Tubbs
Gaston Palmer as Le Grand Gaston
Jack Daly as Terry O'Rourke
Carl Jaffe as Hilary Vance
Marjorie Browne as Betty Dickinson
Wally Patch as Sergeant Carp
Ian Fleming as Chief Inspector Twyning
Vincent Holman as Erasmus Montague
Dennis Wyndham as Tom Driscoll
Jack Raine as J.B. Cato
Georgina Cookson as Willow Thane
Merle Tottenham as Tessie
Gordon McLeod as Superintendent Belstock
Honor Boswell as Alpha
Beryl Boswell as Omega
Music
Formby's songs include: "She's Got Two Of Everything" (Cunningham/Towers), "I'd Like A Dream Like That" (Formby/Cliffe), and "The Daring Young Man" (Formby/Cliffe).
Release
Because of a realistic murder scene, the film was granted a British 'A' certificate, ensuring no one under the age of 16 would be admitted to the cinema unless accompanied by an adult.
Critical reception
The Monthly Film Bulletin wrote: "Nobody would attempt to pretend to believe the naive melodramatics which here pass as story background to Formby's fooling; but since they background Formby, that is probably unimportant. The slapstick aspects of the story are a little better because Formby is the centre of them – climbing in and out of illusionists' baskets, disguising himself in a beard, playing hide-and-seek in a service lift. In this and in the exploitation of his unique brand of charm Formby is in form. He also sings a naughty song or two."
Kine Weekly wrote: "The first half is definitely on the slow side, but from the moment George finds himself a murder suspect, and, with the help of his vaudeville pals, turns amateur sleuth, its pace appreciably quickens. The last lap, a showmanlike mixture of slapstick, vaudeville and melodrama, is a good thrill and fun. In spite of the tardy opening, if is first-rate popular entertainment and a welcome change from conventional Formby fare. It has also good star values."
The Daily Film Renter wrote: "Sturdy direction. Supporting cast is competent without being too obtrusive and it's Formby, Formby all the way, which is just how the fans like it."
Halliwell's Film Guide comments that it is "one of the star's last vehicles, not too bad at all, but without the sweet smell of success."
TV Guide gave the film two out of four stars, and noted, "Five screenwriters collaborated on the script, churning out a lively, witty programmer".