H.B. Parkinson Productions

A British romantic drama film directed by J. Steven Edwards

Harry B. Parkinson (1884-1970) was a prolific producer and director of “interest films”, mostly remembered for his suppressed The Life Story of Charlie Chaplin (1926) and for his films of London life. In addition he made some imaginative sing-along films, with variations of the bouncing-ball technique. This example, from the “Syncopated Melodies” series, illustrates a popular song of 1926, one of approximately 600 written by the sheet music publisher Lawrence Wright (1888-1964) under the nom-de-plume of Horatio Nicholls.

Released in January 1926, this was the seventh of eight in the series “Across the Footlights”, distributed by Graham-Wilcox Productions. It features a test broadcast from the BBC 2.L.O. studios, Savoy Hill, London. Artists appearing include Iris White, Eddie Morris, The Dancing Radios, and, uncredited, the comedian Tommy Handley.

The song “Barcelona” was written in 1925 by Tolchard Evans (music) and Gus Kahn (lyrics). This was the first in H.B. Parkinson’s series of 12 “Syncopated Melodies”. At the end of the film the audience is requested to join in.