Introduction"So This Is London" is a 1930 American pre-Code comedy film directed by John G. Blystone and based on the 1922 play of the same name by Arthur Goodrich. Adjusted to the screen by Sonya Levien, the film captures the comical cultural clashes in between an American entrepreneur and a British household when their kids fall in love. While comprehensive scene-by-scene descriptions are hard to come by, as the initial print is rare and conservation status doubts, the movie's making it through reputation is one of humor, duration charm, and social commentary on the distinctions in between American and British cultures in the early 20th century.
Plot OverviewThe humor in "So This Is London" arises from the stereotypical contrasts between the American and the British way of living, particularly as embodied in the film's main characters. Mr. Draper, represented by Will Rogers, is an effective American business person who winds up in London for work. Here, he comes across Sir Percy Beauchamp and his household, that includes his child, Lady Eileen. It is exposed that Lady Eileen has fallen for Draper's child, Joe Draper.
The story hinges on the taking place comical tensions that emerge from the courtship between the young fans, and the subsequent interactions between their daddies. Mr. Draper embodies the bold, straight-talking, and entrepreneurial spirit of America, while Sir Percy exemplifies the improved, tradition-bound, and rather hoity-toity attitude of the English upper class. As the parents browse their cultural differences, their presumptions about each other's nations concern the leading edge, leading to a series of humorous misunderstandings and social faux-pas.
Characters and PerformancesWill Rogers' performance is main to the movie's appeal. Understood for his amusing and rustic persona, he brings an appeal and likability to Mr. Draper, catching the audience's sympathy in spite of his character's sometimes boorish habits. Opposite him, Sir Percy Beauchamp is the foil, providing the conservative and reserved counterweight to Draper's enthusiasm.
Although secondary plot information and the specifics of the performances of the supporting cast are not well-documented, it is likely that the film also counted on the strength of the ensemble to bring the comedic face-offs to life, with contributions from Maude Eburne and Irene Rich in the supporting functions.
Social CommentaryAt its core, "So This Is London" exceeds simple slapstick humor to offer commentary on Anglo-American relations. The easy going romp is underpinned by a more severe assessment of nationwide stereotypes and the misconceptions that can emerge when different cultures communicate. The movie satirizes the eccentricities and excesses of both societies, from the perceived snobbery of the British upper class to the sometimes crass materialism of American business owners.
In the cultural context of the early 1930s, when global travel was growing but still fairly uncommon for many, the movie provided audiences with a comedic expedition of cultural exchange and the potential for harmonious relationships throughout borders, despite differences.
Legacy and Conclusion"So This Is London" became part of the early talkie age, where sound film was still in its pioneering stage. While not as well-known today as other films of the duration, it is representative of the type of cross-cultural funnies that enjoyed appeal during that time.
Despite its rarity, the film's legacy rests on its capability to elicit laughter through the timeless style of culture clash. The humor that occurs from situations where characters are fish out of water continues to resonate, making "So This Is London" an interesting, though mainly unattainable, piece of early cinematic history. Its message of discovering common ground and understanding throughout cultural divides stays poignant almost a century later on.
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