Command Performance

Arthur Tracy and Lilli Palmer star in this 1930's British romantic drama. With his voice faltering due to nerves, celebrated stage performer "The Street Singer" (Tracy) parts company with the theatre and goes to live in a gypsy camp where he meets and falls in love with Susan (Palmer), an attractive young woman who is unaware of his fame.

Essentially, this is a vehicle for the debonaire singing sensation Arthur Tracy ("The Street Singer") who leaves his career on the stage to take up with some travellers after his legendary voice begins to lose it's potency. He falls in love with the delightful Lilli Palmer ("Susan") and has a few romantic adventures. The songs, much as with the singer himself, are a bit tired - even the showstopper isn't really up to much. That said, it has a charm about it and the two stars actually gel quite well, aided by a not immediately recognisable Finlay Currie as his well meaning manager. Worth a watch, this - just not great.