Over the Garden Wall is a 1934 British musical romantic comedy film directed by John Daumery and starring Bobby Howes, Marian Marsh and Margaret Bannerman. It was written by H. F. Maltby and Gordon Wellesley from the play The Youngest of Three by Maltby.
Contents
Synopsis
A young man and a woman exchange glances through the windows of their passing trains. They later discover that they are staying in neighboring houses, but their respective families are feuding, and they are only occasionally able to continue their romance across the garden wall. Eventually, they decide to elope together, but this only leads to more trouble than it is worth.
Cast
Bobby Howes as Bunny
Marian Marsh as Mary
Margaret Bannerman as Diana
Viola Lyel as Gladys
Bertha Belmore as Jennifer
Syd Crossley as Podds
Mary Sheridan as Tilda
Freddie Watts as Thorold
Stewart Granger and Henry B. Longhurst appear in minor roles.
Production
The film was made at Elstree Studios with sets designed by art director David Rawnsley. Marian Marsh was imported from Hollywood where she had starred in major productions such as Svengali (1931).
Reception
The Daily Film Renter wrote: "Farce comedy (with occasional songs) presenting Bobby Howes as young man enamoured of 'girl next door.' ... Played with gusto by competent cast, picture moves along smoothly to tune of laughs, culminating in rather naive finale. Marian Marsh makes attractive co-star for Howes, whose admirers should find this effort much to their tastes. Reliable popular fare."
Picturegoer wrote: "Simple romance interspersed with song numbers which is chiefly entertaining because of the versatility and personality of Bobby Howes. Marian Marsh is quite good, but not outstanding as object of his affections and Margaret Bannerman and Bertha Belmore are fair as the pair's respective aunts who contribute the reason why the romance does not run smoothly. It is hearty simple material adequately put over."