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Valley of Song
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Wikipedia article
'Valley of Song' is a 1953 British comedy drama film directed by Gilbert Gunn and starring Mervyn Johns, Clifford Evans, Maureen Swanson and the London Welsh Association Choral Society. It marked the film debut of actress Rachel Roberts. It was released in the U.S. as 'Men Are Children Twice'.
Premise
Fierce rivalries flare to the surface in a small Welsh town over a coveted role in the local choir.
Cast
* Mervyn Johns as Minister Griffiths
* Clifford Evans as Geraint Llewellyn
* Maureen Swanson as Olwen Davies
* John Fraser as Cliff Lloyd
* Rachel Thomas as Mrs. Lloyd
* Betty Cooper as Mrs. Davies
* Rachel Roberts as Bessie Lewis
* Hugh Pryse as Lloyd, Undertaker
* Edward Evans as Davies
* Kenneth Williams as Lloyd the Haulage
* Alun Owen as Pritchard
* Ronald Lewis as Uncredited role
* Desmond Llewelyn as Lloyd the Schoolmaster
Production
Filmed on location in Carmarthenshire in 1952, as well as at Elstree Studios, 'Valley of Song' marks the first film appearance of Rachel Roberts and the first film credit of Kenneth Williams, both of whom worked together in Swansea repertory theatre in 1950 under the directorship of Clifford Evans, who also stars in the film.
Release
After the initial trade screening to cinema bookers on 26 February 1953, 'Valley of Song' had four simultaneous World premieres in Wales, opening at cinemas in Cardiff, Newport, Merthyr Tydfil, and Swansea, all on 13 April 1953.
Critical reception
'Eye for Film' noted "an enjoyable if somewhat low-key story which, at 72 minutes in length, would make for a suitably harmonious Sunday afternoon. From the whistle of the steam trains, to the films score, provided courtesy of the London Welsh Association Choral Society, Valley Of Song is a pleasing if utterly unchallenging delight."
References
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