The Will Hay Collection [1938]

The Will Hay Collection is a nine-disc box containing the following films:
Ask a Policeman / Boys Will Be Boys
Oh, Mr Porter! / Convict 99
Old Bones of the River / Where There's a Will
Good Morning Boys / Hey! Hey! USA!
Windbag the Sailor (exclusive to this box set).

In these heady days of easycome-easygo humour, it is easy to forget that good comedy has been around for a long long time. I doubt your average 20+yrs old would come across, or wish to see, this sort of black and white film humour; but what a little gem they will be missing.

Look beyond the the black and white footage, the dated topics of converstion and you see a rich tapestry of wit and timeless humour.

Will Hay has the timing of a comic genious, and his two sidekicks
are equally brilliant.

Oh Mr Porter is considered a classic of it's time and I wouldn't argue with that. It does get a little slow towards the end but is more than madeup for by the beginning.

There is no swearing, no violence, no innuendo, just a brilliant script and great acting.

Will Hay made several great films; probabaly the best are Oh Mr Porter, Old Bones, Boys will be Boys, Good Morning Boys and Where's the fire. Some are a bit too long and loose a little on plot, but some idividual scenes are 'diamonds'. If you are not sure about buying the whole set, maybe buy one of the ones I recommend and see if you enjoy it.


Will Hay pure genius...   April 20, 2004
40 out of 42 found this review helpful

Timeless Comedy, much better than the modern dross that is constantlypumped down our Throats.
My 2 Daughters (aged 16 & 9) both find theseFilms excellent entertainment & would watch them over & over again..
Mynext purchases will be some Norman Wisdom & George Formby Films, got tokeep the spirit alive for the enjoyment of future generations.


Genius   March 15, 2004
Mr. N. Haynes (Blighty)
30 out of 32 found this review helpful

Absolutely brilliant, and thanks to Carlton for transferring these classics onto DVD giving me the first chance to revisit them since watching them on telly in school holidays.

Hay, Marriott and Moffatt are three of the funniest character actors I've ever seen and amazingly these films haven't aged a bit. My only concern is why some of his other classics didn't make the list. Are there any plans for the Ghost of St Michael's to be released on DVD too?


Excellent   October 1, 2006
Sanibla (UK)
28 out of 28 found this review helpful

Brought back memories of Saturday afternoons watching TV as a lad.

Will Hay still doesn't disappoint.
Ideal for watching on a long winters day in front of a roaring fire!


Will Hay   February 26, 2004
Peter Hobden (UK)
25 out of 27 found this review helpful

Will Hay was without question one of the best music hall and film comedians of his time.

In these heady days of easycome-easygo humour, it is easy to forget that good comedy has been around for a long long time. I doubt youR average 25yr old would come across or wish to see this sort of black and white filmed humour; but what a little gem they will miss.

Look through the dated scenery, the black and white footage, the dated topics of converstion and you see a rich tapestry of wit and humour equal to any other.

Will Hay has the timing of a comic genious, and his two sidekicks
are equally brilliant.

Oh Mr Porter is considered a classic of it's time and I wouldn't argue with that. It does get a little slow towards the end but is more than madeup for by the beginning.

There is no swearing, no violence, no innuendo, just a brilliant script and acting.

Will Hay made several great films; probabaly the best are Oh Mr Porter, Old Bones, Boys will be Boys, Good Morning Boys and Where's the fire.