A group of widely divergent characters meet up with a broken-down touring concert-party, throw in their lot with them, and eventually triumph after temporary setbacks. This British musical-comedy follows an unlikely trio as they try to revive the fortunes of the floundering theatrical troupe. School teacher Inigo Jolifant (John Gielgud) with his talent for songwriting, and recently unemployed Jess Oakroyd (Edmund Gwenn) with his theatrical ambitions, together persuade Miss Trant (Mary Glynne), an older single woman looking for adventure, to fund them as they attempt to bring "The Dinky Do's" back into the spotlight. Susie Dean (Jessie Matthews) is a chorus girl who dreams of stardom, and when she's made the new leader of the show, it looks as if her dreams may finally come true.
The Good Companions is a novel by the English author J. B. Priestley.
Written in 1929 (in Deal, Kent), it focuses on the trials and tribulations of a concert party in England between World War I and World War II. It is arguably Priestley's most famous novel, and the work which established him as a national figure. It won the James Tait Black Memorial Prize and was adapted twice into film.
Plot summary
The novel is written in picaresque style, and opens with the middle aged, discontented Jess Oakroyd in the fictional Yorkshire town of Bruddersford. He opts to leave his family and seek adventure "on t'road" (throughout the novel Priestley uses dialect for all non-RP speakers of English). He heads south down the Great North Road.
Intertwined with the story of Oakroyd's travels are those of Elizabeth Trant and Inigo Jollifant, two similarly malcontented individuals. Miss Trant is an upper-middle class spinster and Jollifant is a teacher at a down-at-heel private school. All three ultimately encounter each other when a failing concert troupe ('The Dinky Doos') are disbanding as a result of their manager's running off with the takings. The independently wealthy Miss Trant, against the advice of her relatives, decides to refloat the troupe, now known as 'The Good Companions'. Inigo plays piano, Oakroyd is the odd-job man, and other assorted characters including members of the original troupe: including Jimmy Nunn, Jerry Jerningham and Susie Dean, along with Mr Morton Mitcham (a travelling banjo player whom Inigo met earlier on his own odyssey) have various adventures round the shires of middle England.
The plot focuses on the trials and tribulations of a touring concert party known as the Dinky-Doos who are stranded in the English countryside when their manager absconds with the most recent box office revenue and the lady pianist. Jess Oakroyd, an amiable man who has abandoned his shrewish wife, endears himself to the company with his homespun advice, and they invite him to join them as a carpenter, baggage handler, and dogsbody. Elizabeth Trant comes to their rescue when she decides to use her inheritance to finance the troupe and escape from her boring life in the Cotswolds.
Because of his habit of playing the piano late at night, songwriter Inigo Jollifant has been fired from his position at the Washbury Manor School in East Anglia, and he replaces the concert party's recently departed pianist, bringing with him banjo player and illusionist Morton Mitcham. As Miss Trant slowly achieves managerial authority, she encourages the troupe - which includes comedienne Susie Dean and singer Jerry Jerningham - to change its name to The Good Companions.
The Good Companions (1933)
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0024073/
published: 30 Dec 2017
The Good Companions (Victor Saville dir, Gaumont 1933)
The Good Companions is a 1933 British backstage comedy directed by Victor Saville starring Jessie Matthews, John Gielgud and Edmund Gwenn. It is based on the 1929 novel of the same name by JB Priestley. Gielgud had appeared in the 1931 theatrical version of the novel, written by Priestley, which had ran for more than three hundred performances in the West End. Adele Dixon who had played Susie Dean on stage was replaced by Jessie Matthews.
It was shot at the Lime Grove Studios in Shepherd's Bush. The film's sets were designed by the art director Alfred Junge while the costumes were by Gordon Conway. Henry Ainley narrated the prologue.
This entire film is available to watch at: https://bit.ly/goodcomp1
published: 15 Feb 2021
Jessie Matthews, John Gielgud & Max Miller in "The Good Companions"
1933. This is SERIOUS Art Deco. Style, wit, beauty and sophistication - it's all there. And there's MORE on this channel...
published: 19 Dec 2010
The Good Companions - The Complete Series
http://www.networkdvd.net/product_info.php?products_id=1408
Jan Francis leads a lively cast in Beiderbecke writer Alan Plater's definitive adaptation of J.B. Priestley's celebrated novel. Charting the rollercoaster fortunes of a struggling concert party, Francis co-stars alongside Bryan Pringle, John Stratton and Moody and Pegg's Judy Cornwell, with guest appearances by Roy Kinnear, Denis Lawson and Nigel Hawthorne. Priestley's defining work -- and one which established him as a national figure -- The Good Companions has been a mainstay of English literature since its initial publication in 1929.
Jess Oakroyd, discontented with his home, his work and his football team, tears up his Insurance Card and disappears into the night. He intends to go to Nuneaton, but instead finds himself on th...
published: 16 Sep 2011
The Good Companions (1957) - Trailer
The future looks bleak for The 'Dinky Doos' when their manager runs off with the funds and dwindling audiences force the theatre owner to close their show. However, a chance meeting of three strangers could bring about a big change in the fortunes of the little company.
Directed by J. Lee Thompson.
Written by J.B. Priestley, T.J. Morrison (screenplay) and John Whiting (additional dialogue).
Starring Eric Portman, Celia Johnson and Hugh Griffith.
published: 02 Dec 2021
07 1933 Jessie Matthews The Good Companions Let Me Give My Happiness To You
published: 04 Dec 2020
06 1933 Jessie Matthews The Good Companions Three Wishes
published: 04 Dec 2020
"The Good Companions": Out on DVD 11/11/2013
http://networkonair.com/shop/1801-good-companions-the.html
Adapted from J.B. Priestley's famous novel charting the ups and downs of a struggling touring concert party, this endearing musical comedy features an outstanding array of British talent -- including Eric Portman, Celia Johnson, Hugh Griffith, Joyce Grenfell, Thora Hird and Anthony Newley. The Good Companions is presented here in a brand-new transfer from original film elements in its as-exhibited theatrical aspect ratio.
The future looks bleak for The 'Dinky Doos' when their manager runs off with the funds and dwindling audiences force the theatre owner to close their show. Young Susie Dean is particularly disconsolate: the talented singer and dancer is sure the setback will mean an end to her theatrical career. However, a chanc...
published: 21 Oct 2013
The Good Companions by J. B. PRIESTLEY
The Good Companions by J B Priestley
JB Priestley's classic story of a 1929 concert party tour charts new adventures for factory worker Jess Oakroyd and newly independent Miss Trant.
Starring Ralph Ineson, Fenella Woolgar and Roy Hudd.
Dramatised by John Retallack.
Jess Oakroyd ..... Ralph Ineson
Miss Trant ..... Fenella Woolgar
Jimmy Nunn ..... Roy Hudd
Inigo Jollifant ..... Oliver Gomm
Susie Dean ..... Isabella Inchbald
Mr Ridvers ..... Gerard McDermott
Mrs Joe ..... Ellie Darvill
Monte Mortimer ..... Clive Hayward
Leonard Oakroyd ..... Gary Duncan
Mr Joe ..... Philip Bretherton
Morton Mitcham ..... Tayla Kovacevic-Ebong
Jerry Jerningham ..... Adam Fitzgerald
Agent ..... Rupert Holliday Evans
Inspector ..... David Reakes
Box Office Lady ..... Katherine Weare
Author JB Priestley
Adapt...
published: 19 Sep 2022
Jessie Matthews and John Gielgud - "Three Wishes"
Jessie Matthews and Sir John Gielgud sing "Three Wishes" in the 1933 Movie "The Good Companions".
The Good Companions is a 1933 British backstage comedy directed by Victor Saville starring Jessie Matthews, John Gielgud and Edmund Gwenn. It is based on the 19...
The Good Companions is a 1933 British backstage comedy directed by Victor Saville starring Jessie Matthews, John Gielgud and Edmund Gwenn. It is based on the 1929 novel of the same name by JB Priestley. Gielgud had appeared in the 1931 theatrical version of the novel, written by Priestley, which had ran for more than three hundred performances in the West End. Adele Dixon who had played Susie Dean on stage was replaced by Jessie Matthews.
It was shot at the Lime Grove Studios in Shepherd's Bush. The film's sets were designed by the art director Alfred Junge while the costumes were by Gordon Conway. Henry Ainley narrated the prologue.
This entire film is available to watch at: https://bit.ly/goodcomp1
The Good Companions is a 1933 British backstage comedy directed by Victor Saville starring Jessie Matthews, John Gielgud and Edmund Gwenn. It is based on the 1929 novel of the same name by JB Priestley. Gielgud had appeared in the 1931 theatrical version of the novel, written by Priestley, which had ran for more than three hundred performances in the West End. Adele Dixon who had played Susie Dean on stage was replaced by Jessie Matthews.
It was shot at the Lime Grove Studios in Shepherd's Bush. The film's sets were designed by the art director Alfred Junge while the costumes were by Gordon Conway. Henry Ainley narrated the prologue.
This entire film is available to watch at: https://bit.ly/goodcomp1
http://www.networkdvd.net/product_info.php?products_id=1408
Jan Francis leads a lively cast in Beiderbecke writer Alan Plater's definitive adaptation of J.B. P...
http://www.networkdvd.net/product_info.php?products_id=1408
Jan Francis leads a lively cast in Beiderbecke writer Alan Plater's definitive adaptation of J.B. Priestley's celebrated novel. Charting the rollercoaster fortunes of a struggling concert party, Francis co-stars alongside Bryan Pringle, John Stratton and Moody and Pegg's Judy Cornwell, with guest appearances by Roy Kinnear, Denis Lawson and Nigel Hawthorne. Priestley's defining work -- and one which established him as a national figure -- The Good Companions has been a mainstay of English literature since its initial publication in 1929.
Jess Oakroyd, discontented with his home, his work and his football team, tears up his Insurance Card and disappears into the night. He intends to go to Nuneaton, but instead finds himself on the ragged edges of show business. We share with him the trials and tribulations of the Good Companions as they tour seaside towns, industrial cities and rural backwaters in their search for success and stardom.
http://www.networkdvd.net/product_info.php?products_id=1408
http://www.networkdvd.net/product_info.php?products_id=1408
Jan Francis leads a lively cast in Beiderbecke writer Alan Plater's definitive adaptation of J.B. Priestley's celebrated novel. Charting the rollercoaster fortunes of a struggling concert party, Francis co-stars alongside Bryan Pringle, John Stratton and Moody and Pegg's Judy Cornwell, with guest appearances by Roy Kinnear, Denis Lawson and Nigel Hawthorne. Priestley's defining work -- and one which established him as a national figure -- The Good Companions has been a mainstay of English literature since its initial publication in 1929.
Jess Oakroyd, discontented with his home, his work and his football team, tears up his Insurance Card and disappears into the night. He intends to go to Nuneaton, but instead finds himself on the ragged edges of show business. We share with him the trials and tribulations of the Good Companions as they tour seaside towns, industrial cities and rural backwaters in their search for success and stardom.
http://www.networkdvd.net/product_info.php?products_id=1408
The future looks bleak for The 'Dinky Doos' when their manager runs off with the funds and dwindling audiences force the theatre owner to close their show. Howe...
The future looks bleak for The 'Dinky Doos' when their manager runs off with the funds and dwindling audiences force the theatre owner to close their show. However, a chance meeting of three strangers could bring about a big change in the fortunes of the little company.
Directed by J. Lee Thompson.
Written by J.B. Priestley, T.J. Morrison (screenplay) and John Whiting (additional dialogue).
Starring Eric Portman, Celia Johnson and Hugh Griffith.
The future looks bleak for The 'Dinky Doos' when their manager runs off with the funds and dwindling audiences force the theatre owner to close their show. However, a chance meeting of three strangers could bring about a big change in the fortunes of the little company.
Directed by J. Lee Thompson.
Written by J.B. Priestley, T.J. Morrison (screenplay) and John Whiting (additional dialogue).
Starring Eric Portman, Celia Johnson and Hugh Griffith.
http://networkonair.com/shop/1801-good-companions-the.html
Adapted from J.B. Priestley's famous novel charting the ups and downs of a struggling touring concer...
http://networkonair.com/shop/1801-good-companions-the.html
Adapted from J.B. Priestley's famous novel charting the ups and downs of a struggling touring concert party, this endearing musical comedy features an outstanding array of British talent -- including Eric Portman, Celia Johnson, Hugh Griffith, Joyce Grenfell, Thora Hird and Anthony Newley. The Good Companions is presented here in a brand-new transfer from original film elements in its as-exhibited theatrical aspect ratio.
The future looks bleak for The 'Dinky Doos' when their manager runs off with the funds and dwindling audiences force the theatre owner to close their show. Young Susie Dean is particularly disconsolate: the talented singer and dancer is sure the setback will mean an end to her theatrical career. However, a chance meeting of three strangers could bring about a big change in the fortunes of the little company...
http://networkonair.com/shop/1801-good-companions-the.html
Adapted from J.B. Priestley's famous novel charting the ups and downs of a struggling touring concert party, this endearing musical comedy features an outstanding array of British talent -- including Eric Portman, Celia Johnson, Hugh Griffith, Joyce Grenfell, Thora Hird and Anthony Newley. The Good Companions is presented here in a brand-new transfer from original film elements in its as-exhibited theatrical aspect ratio.
The future looks bleak for The 'Dinky Doos' when their manager runs off with the funds and dwindling audiences force the theatre owner to close their show. Young Susie Dean is particularly disconsolate: the talented singer and dancer is sure the setback will mean an end to her theatrical career. However, a chance meeting of three strangers could bring about a big change in the fortunes of the little company...
The Good Companions by J B Priestley
JB Priestley's classic story of a 1929 concert party tour charts new adventures for factory worker Jess Oakroyd and newly ...
The Good Companions by J B Priestley
JB Priestley's classic story of a 1929 concert party tour charts new adventures for factory worker Jess Oakroyd and newly independent Miss Trant.
Starring Ralph Ineson, Fenella Woolgar and Roy Hudd.
Dramatised by John Retallack.
Jess Oakroyd ..... Ralph Ineson
Miss Trant ..... Fenella Woolgar
Jimmy Nunn ..... Roy Hudd
Inigo Jollifant ..... Oliver Gomm
Susie Dean ..... Isabella Inchbald
Mr Ridvers ..... Gerard McDermott
Mrs Joe ..... Ellie Darvill
Monte Mortimer ..... Clive Hayward
Leonard Oakroyd ..... Gary Duncan
Mr Joe ..... Philip Bretherton
Morton Mitcham ..... Tayla Kovacevic-Ebong
Jerry Jerningham ..... Adam Fitzgerald
Agent ..... Rupert Holliday Evans
Inspector ..... David Reakes
Box Office Lady ..... Katherine Weare
Author JB Priestley
Adaptor John Retallack
Music composed by Neil Brand
Musicians Neil Brand, Michael Hammond & Alex Hammond
Director: David Hunter
The Good Companions by J B Priestley
JB Priestley's classic story of a 1929 concert party tour charts new adventures for factory worker Jess Oakroyd and newly independent Miss Trant.
Starring Ralph Ineson, Fenella Woolgar and Roy Hudd.
Dramatised by John Retallack.
Jess Oakroyd ..... Ralph Ineson
Miss Trant ..... Fenella Woolgar
Jimmy Nunn ..... Roy Hudd
Inigo Jollifant ..... Oliver Gomm
Susie Dean ..... Isabella Inchbald
Mr Ridvers ..... Gerard McDermott
Mrs Joe ..... Ellie Darvill
Monte Mortimer ..... Clive Hayward
Leonard Oakroyd ..... Gary Duncan
Mr Joe ..... Philip Bretherton
Morton Mitcham ..... Tayla Kovacevic-Ebong
Jerry Jerningham ..... Adam Fitzgerald
Agent ..... Rupert Holliday Evans
Inspector ..... David Reakes
Box Office Lady ..... Katherine Weare
Author JB Priestley
Adaptor John Retallack
Music composed by Neil Brand
Musicians Neil Brand, Michael Hammond & Alex Hammond
Director: David Hunter
The Good Companions is a 1933 British backstage comedy directed by Victor Saville starring Jessie Matthews, John Gielgud and Edmund Gwenn. It is based on the 1929 novel of the same name by JB Priestley. Gielgud had appeared in the 1931 theatrical version of the novel, written by Priestley, which had ran for more than three hundred performances in the West End. Adele Dixon who had played Susie Dean on stage was replaced by Jessie Matthews.
It was shot at the Lime Grove Studios in Shepherd's Bush. The film's sets were designed by the art director Alfred Junge while the costumes were by Gordon Conway. Henry Ainley narrated the prologue.
This entire film is available to watch at: https://bit.ly/goodcomp1
http://www.networkdvd.net/product_info.php?products_id=1408
Jan Francis leads a lively cast in Beiderbecke writer Alan Plater's definitive adaptation of J.B. Priestley's celebrated novel. Charting the rollercoaster fortunes of a struggling concert party, Francis co-stars alongside Bryan Pringle, John Stratton and Moody and Pegg's Judy Cornwell, with guest appearances by Roy Kinnear, Denis Lawson and Nigel Hawthorne. Priestley's defining work -- and one which established him as a national figure -- The Good Companions has been a mainstay of English literature since its initial publication in 1929.
Jess Oakroyd, discontented with his home, his work and his football team, tears up his Insurance Card and disappears into the night. He intends to go to Nuneaton, but instead finds himself on the ragged edges of show business. We share with him the trials and tribulations of the Good Companions as they tour seaside towns, industrial cities and rural backwaters in their search for success and stardom.
http://www.networkdvd.net/product_info.php?products_id=1408
The future looks bleak for The 'Dinky Doos' when their manager runs off with the funds and dwindling audiences force the theatre owner to close their show. However, a chance meeting of three strangers could bring about a big change in the fortunes of the little company.
Directed by J. Lee Thompson.
Written by J.B. Priestley, T.J. Morrison (screenplay) and John Whiting (additional dialogue).
Starring Eric Portman, Celia Johnson and Hugh Griffith.
http://networkonair.com/shop/1801-good-companions-the.html
Adapted from J.B. Priestley's famous novel charting the ups and downs of a struggling touring concert party, this endearing musical comedy features an outstanding array of British talent -- including Eric Portman, Celia Johnson, Hugh Griffith, Joyce Grenfell, Thora Hird and Anthony Newley. The Good Companions is presented here in a brand-new transfer from original film elements in its as-exhibited theatrical aspect ratio.
The future looks bleak for The 'Dinky Doos' when their manager runs off with the funds and dwindling audiences force the theatre owner to close their show. Young Susie Dean is particularly disconsolate: the talented singer and dancer is sure the setback will mean an end to her theatrical career. However, a chance meeting of three strangers could bring about a big change in the fortunes of the little company...
The Good Companions by J B Priestley
JB Priestley's classic story of a 1929 concert party tour charts new adventures for factory worker Jess Oakroyd and newly independent Miss Trant.
Starring Ralph Ineson, Fenella Woolgar and Roy Hudd.
Dramatised by John Retallack.
Jess Oakroyd ..... Ralph Ineson
Miss Trant ..... Fenella Woolgar
Jimmy Nunn ..... Roy Hudd
Inigo Jollifant ..... Oliver Gomm
Susie Dean ..... Isabella Inchbald
Mr Ridvers ..... Gerard McDermott
Mrs Joe ..... Ellie Darvill
Monte Mortimer ..... Clive Hayward
Leonard Oakroyd ..... Gary Duncan
Mr Joe ..... Philip Bretherton
Morton Mitcham ..... Tayla Kovacevic-Ebong
Jerry Jerningham ..... Adam Fitzgerald
Agent ..... Rupert Holliday Evans
Inspector ..... David Reakes
Box Office Lady ..... Katherine Weare
Author JB Priestley
Adaptor John Retallack
Music composed by Neil Brand
Musicians Neil Brand, Michael Hammond & Alex Hammond
Director: David Hunter
A group of widely divergent characters meet up with a broken-down touring concert-party, throw in their lot with them, and eventually triumph after temporary setbacks. This British musical-comedy follows an unlikely trio as they try to revive the fortunes of the floundering theatrical troupe. School teacher Inigo Jolifant (John Gielgud) with his talent for songwriting, and recently unemployed Jess Oakroyd (Edmund Gwenn) with his theatrical ambitions, together persuade Miss Trant (Mary Glynne), an older single woman looking for adventure, to fund them as they attempt to bring "The Dinky Do's" back into the spotlight. Susie Dean (Jessie Matthews) is a chorus girl who dreams of stardom, and when she's made the new leader of the show, it looks as if her dreams may finally come true.