Radio Parade of 1935 (1934)

Radio Parade of 1935: Directed by Arthur B. Woods. With Will Hay, Helen Chandler, Clifford Mollison, Davy Burnaby. The Director General of the NBG is struggling with his staff as the complaints pile up on his programming.The staff put on a show that could turn the tide, if the DG can thwart a villainous agent and deal with his troublesome daughter.

“This is an interesting and intriguing film.Everything is a dig aimed at the BBC.Will Hay plays William Garland director General of NBG which of course stands for no bloody good.Hays name is a play on the name of John Reith the stuffy moralistic head of the BBC.The film accurately reflects the then current battle between radio and the music halls.They were already on their names from a combination of radio and talkies.They would stagger on for a further 25 years before being dealt a knockout blow by TV.There are so many famous music hall performers showcased by this film it is a real treasure trove.The film is ahead of its time in featuring TV which would become a reality in 1936.”