No Limit

George Formby was not only one of the most successful singers to come out of pre-war Britain, (as well as one of the few who is properly remembered to this day). He was also a successful film star who despite only ever making a handful of films throughout his career, was a big box office success during the late 30s and early 1940s. The film that generated Formby’s movie career was a tiny picture shot on the Isle of Man called No Limit, the plot of which followed George Shuttleworth (Formby), a Wigan-based Chimney Sweep who’s an avid bike rider that dreams about winning the TT race on the Isle of Man, but after being unable to book his own bike, into the official competition, George “borrows” £5 from his granddad and decides to go to the Isle of Man himself and register his bike into the competition. George Shuttleworth does whatever he can to define the odds and become a motor racing champion, with a few obvious slips and twists along the way.

I’ll just say right now that I’m a fan of George Formby’s music as well as pretty much all of his films. Though my favourite  would definitely have to be this one. It’s short, very brisk, filled with Formby’s catchy songs and even though the whole plot from the opening minute is 100% predictable, with the obvious sub-plot of George trying to get the girl it doesn’t matter. This is a brilliantly fun, nostalgic film with a beautiful production backdrop. This was one of the first and only major films to be shot on the Isle of Man, (who have always been notoriously reluctant for filmmakers to shoot their films on the island). But it’s a good job that they made this film there, because it’s right corker to say the least and loyal to the legacy of the TT races which have always taken place on the Isle of Man almost every summer since 1907.

10/10-Calum Roberts