Harry Roy And His Orchestra - You're The Last Word In Love (1936 film clips)

Harry Roy And His Orchestra play "You're The Last Word In Love" in clips taken from the film "Everything Is Rhythm", which was made at Elstree Studios in November and December 1935. I have restored the soundtrack, removing the thuds and clicks etc.

The first band scene opens the film and the second is a reprise of the song, played a few minutes later. The band also play a third version of the number (wth vocals) in a night club scene (wearing pots and pans!) but as this is already available on YouTube I haven't included it.


I love the sense of fun that Harry and his band possess, and it looks pretty genuine too. In later life, Harry said that he never took himself too seriously and this shows!


The alto sax soloist in the first clip is Nat Temple. I think the trumpet soloist who follows him is Tommy Porter rather than Bert Wilton, but I'm not 100% sure. The excellent trombone solo in the second clip is played by Jackie Collins, who was formerly a member of Fred Elizalde's band at the Savoy Hotel - pity he didn't record more jazz solos, if this one is anything to go by. The tap dancer is Phyllis Thackray. The band stop playing as Bill Currie (playing Harry's brother) enters through the door, which is why the video stops at this point.

When Harry plays a long note on clarinet in the first clip, look at the comic reactions from guitarist Tommy Venn and violinist Maurice Sterndale, who otherwise can't keep still in their chairs! By the way, all the music in the film is dubbed, and Harry isn't that good at dubbing - which at least shows that he was improvising! As for his eye rolling in the film…..it would put Eddie Cantor to shame! Having said that, Harry is actually a pretty good comic actor for the time and nothing he does looks forced or uncomfortable, which is more than can be said for other bandleaders on film. Also, there is something quintessentially likeable about Harry Roy…..which is also why there is something sad in seeing him interviewed late in life, when the good times were a fading memory and he looks quite forlorn.