Rhythm Serenade

Vera Lynn was a wonderful singer with a beautiful voice, with some great songs under her belt, her most famous being "We'll Meet Again". 'Rhythm Serenade' is the second of her five films, but is not one of her best, a lesser one perhaps. It's watchable if not standing up to repeat viewings.

Once again, as with 'We'll Meet Again' (her film debut, which was much superior), is not the most visually or technically accomplished film, and the story structurally and sometimes momentum wise isn't the best, pretty thin and drags in places. It's also even more heavy-handed than 'We'll Meet Again', the propaganda and patriotic elements being laid on too thick. Peter Murray Hill has an odd character and struggles to do much with it, while Jimmy Jewell and Ben Warris provide some pretty unfunny comic relief.

'Rhythm Serenade' is however well worth watching for Lynn, who is very charming and likable. She also sings beautifully. Betty Jardine comes off best in support.

The music is lovely, if not among Lynn's best songs, and makes good use of Lynn's timeless voice. The script is sometimes fun, sweet and charming and some of the pacing is sprightly enough, the film assuredly directed.

So summing up, decent and watchable but not one of Lynn's best. 6/10 Bethany Cox