Once a Jolly Swagman main backdrop
Once a Jolly Swagman main poster

Once a Jolly Swagman

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5.4/10 • 13

1949-02-021h 40m

RomanceDrama

A factory worker quits his job to become a motorcycle racer.

Directors
Jack Lee

Top Billed Cast

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  1. Dirk Bogarde

    Dirk Bogarde

    Bill Fox

  2. Bonar Colleano

    Bonar Colleano

    Tommy Possey

  3. Bill Owen

    Bill Owen

    Lag Gibbon

  4. Renée Asherson

    Renée Asherson

    Pat

  5. Thora Hird

    Thora Hird

    Ma Fox

  6. James Hayter

    James Hayter

    Pa Fox

  7. Patric Doonan

    Patric Doonan

    Dick

  8. Moira Lister

    Moira Lister

    Dotty Liz

  9. Sid James

    Sid James

    Rowton

Reviews1

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CinemaSerf Avatar

CinemaSerf

Jul 9, 2022

6/10

Aside from the odd rendition of "Waltzing Matilda" - I am unsure as to the reason for the title, but don't be put off - it's about speedway not swag (or sheep). Dirk Bogarde is at his most alluring as "Bill", a man who gets laid off from his job testing lightbulbs and who takes up the sport of dirt-track speedway. Discovering he has a bit of a penchant for it, he is soon earning £90-a week and but for the intervention of WWII could have been a true champion. After the war, though, his wife "Pat" (Renée Asherson) gives him an ultimatum despite him struggling to get so much as a milk round to make ends meet. Which path will he choose? It's got a strong supporting cast this - James Hayter, Moira Lister, Bill Owen, Sid James, Thora Hird and Bonar Colleano - and there is just enough race action to give us an indication that this was an hugely popular, and pretty dangerous sport that saw crowds of tens of thousands turn up in the hope of some excitement. The romantic shenanigans clutter it up a bit, especially his "Lister" period, but it's predominately quite a well made, fast moving, drama that touches subtly on the lack of opportunities for many a soldier after demobilisation.

Media

  • Once a Jolly Swagman poster
  • Once a Jolly Swagman poster
  • Once a Jolly Swagman poster

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Status
Released
Original Language
English
Budget
--
Revenue
--
Keywords
armysportsworld war iifamemotorcyclerace