Another classic film is given the restoration treatment for release on Blu-Ray from StudioCanal. Is it all smooth sailing or is there a rocky ride ahead?

StudioCanal will release a restoration of the 1956 comedy Three Men in the Boat. The Romulus film, directed by Ken Annakin, is an adaptation of Jerome K. Jerome’s 1889 book of the same name. It featured a main cast of Laurence Harvey, Jimmy Edwards and David Tomlinson, who play George, Harris and J respectively. Hubert Gregg and Vernon Harris wrote the screenplay.

Set in the Edwardian era, this film follows J, Harris, George and Montecenery the dog as they take a boating holiday on the river Thames, escaping the pressures of a wife, a fiance and her mother, and work. While away, they meet three high society girls who take a shine to them. Chaos ensues as the men constantly get themselves into awkward situations that leave them playing the fool.

The film’s credits say it is freely based on Jerome’s book. This is the correct word to describe it. This film shares some similarities with the book, such as characters and premise, but is treated differently. This is a comedy with a presentation deeply rooted in the mid-50s. It utilises the premise and turns it into a lively comedy filled with slapstick and witty lines. Some events recounted as memories in the text often become linear narratives within the story. Although things are dialled up to energy beyond the book, readers will recognise a number of the situations from Jerome’s book.

One of the scenes recreated from the source is the scene within Hampton Court Maze. The performers capture the frenetic energy of the situation and take it up a peg or two. Look out for a younger Toke Townley, of Emmerdale Farm fame, who appears throughout this scene.

While ensuing episodes of chaos can drift between tiresome and hilarious, there are things in this film that help it stand out. Amidst the anarchic slapstick, there are instances of tranquillity, calm, and silence. The film’s cinematography occasionally shines, capturing the River Thames and its environs with remarkable detail.

The production style, extensive use of ADR, and the execution of gags strongly evoke the family-friendly films of my childhood. It would not be surprising if Disney drew inspiration from this, particularly considering the ties to its director and one of the leading actors. There is also a lot of thematic connection to the later Carry-On films, particularly the scenes involving Jill Ireland, Lisa Gastoni and Shirley Eaton. The unexpected, subtly risqué moments caught me off guard, making me gasp and laugh alike; they may seem quaint by today’s standards, yet they still challenge the boundaries of their time.

The Main Characters

Edwards is the perfect actor to play Harris. He looks the part, especially helped by his trademark moustache. I mainly know him for his quips and bluster on the radio, so it was a great surprise to see this legend partake in quite a lot of physical comedy. His take on Harris’ singing sketch is wonderful, as he times everything to perfection.

Tomlinson is perhaps best known for his later Disney roles, but he’s earning his stripes here. His chemistry with the two other main leads worked really well. He did a great job trying to embody Jerome’s intended character of J, even if a scene strayed thematically from the source.

Laurence Harvey was a familiar name but I hadn’t seen him in anything previously. He did a great job playing the suave ladies man of George. I particularly enjoyed his physical performance during a humourous scene involving a can of pineapple rings. It had an energy which felt quite current, one of those rare instances where a film potentially innovates without realising it. I particularly enjoyed the apparent chemistry with Edwards.

Picture Quality

The picture quality presented here is mostly outstanding. There are occasional colour issues on split second moments, but nothing too noticeable or damaging to the viewing experience. It possibly has more to do with the original film process and the lighting than anything with the restoration. Other than small gripes, the print is beautiful. The cinematography of the Thames is reminiscent of a painting at times, owing much to the framing and colour presented by the film stock. There is no doubt that this film has never looked better.

Special Features

For a film of this age, it is understandable that it is light on contemporaneous special features. Modern interviews with Jeremy Nicholas and Matthew Sweet help add extra context and fill in gaps. The original trailer is also included, which provides insight into how this film was marketed in its day.

Conclusion

StudioCanal has created a Blu-Ray that celebrates this low-key classic piece of British film. While the production itself isn’t the brightest, they have ensured audiences see it in the best way possible. The colours are as vibrant as the underrated performances, and the detail is exquisite. This adaptation may not be the most accurate representation of Jerome’s work, but it certainly provides a fun experience! Three Men in a Boat will be released on Blu-Ray, DVD and Digital from the 19th of August. It is part of StudioCanal’s Vintage Classics collection.