Stars on Parade (1948)

This short film is a home movie style record of a charity gala day at Morden Hall Park in Surrey, UK. Among the stars are US top-billers Jack Benny, Sophie Tucker, Martha Raye and Irish-American Maureen O'Hara. There are no spoken words, but there are frequent intertitles and a background of persistent swing music. Most of the shots are of the famous stars, but there are occasional shots of the spectators as they collect autographs, have their photos taken or buy items in a charity auction. John Howard Davies is seen making a joke of his "More" scene from Oliver Twist. Bill Owen looks quite camp as he tells a joke. The stars drink and smoke and drive around in a gas-guzzling Jeep. There is zero security. It is amazing that so many top of the bill stars made the journey all the way down to Morden for this day out. It must have been wonderful to see them all.