source: Plain Sailing

Moviecut—Plain Sailing

True as a Turtle

Can anyone tell me if the yacht Turtle is really called that? She looks identical to a sailing vessel that I know well but is not of that name. Does anyone know? I agree with the person who said you must be a sailing nut to appreciate this film. I love it not just because I am a sailing nut (60 years sailing) but because I also know the locations very well. Watch it whenever I can and never get bored of it.

A few bright moments cannot disguise the fact this film's on a wrong tack. Also, it's in colour (not colourised), and not black & white, as previously mentioned.

A couple on their honeymoon (John Gregson and June Thorburn) join a couple of friends for a cross channel yachting holiday, much to the bride's disappointment. They also find themselves caught up with smugglers among other adventures. Light romantic comedy from the Rank Organisation variety that ends up being pretty undemanding entertainment and will really only appeal to yachting types in this very English film.

A charming romantic comedy with a bit of mystery set mainly on the 'Turtle' as it sails to France and back from England with a collection of likeable characters. There is a lot of location shooting at sea which gives it a salty tang and leaves you with a warm glow. The boat itself becomes a character, you get to know it intimately. There is a capable cast on board including Cecil Parker, Avice Landone, Elvi Hale, Keith Michell, John Gregson and the ever luminous June Thorburn. Directed by the under rated Wendy Toye, it is a most pleasant trip. It's the kind of film that would never be made these days so one is grateful for its continuing existence in newer media.

Gorgeously shot in Eastman Colour by Reg Wyer with an attractive cast. Despite - or perhaps because - of the extensive photography on location and at sea which at the time probably seemed very glamorous, today it all seems cramped, garrulous and drawn out (although enlivened by the business with the casino), with a relentlessly 'jolly' nautical score by Robert Farnon. The presence of John Gregson - and the ending - already revives memories of 'Genevieve', with the women reluctantly dragged along again far more chic and much cooler and more sensible than the men.

This film was directed by Wendy Toye who was one of the few women directors of the era.Featuring Rank contract actors JohnGregson and June Thorburn,with reliable support from Cecil Parker and Avice Langdon.Some good colour photography.This film is available through a new DVD release.Pleasant way to spend 90 minutes

I love this film mainly because of the boat 'Turtle', a real little ship. The incidental music is also very pleasant and fits in well with the sailing theme. The storyline is nearly irrelevant but everybody carries the story off well in fact you could easily believe that the whole film was a dramatised documentary of a weekend sailing trip. There are plenty of good bits of humour and lots of 50's atmosphere to enjoy. I have watched the film at least 30 times over the last 30years and have never got bored with it. I have seen one continuity 'gaff', on the trip across to France the boat changes tack instantly between shots. The best line in the film is when John Gregson explains to his new wife that "Turtle is a proper ship, she sails" when comparing her to a very large luxury motor cruiser. You really do need also to be a sailing nut to really enjoy this film.