Will Hay Double Feature Vol. 1 brings together two classic British comedies from the 1930s, showcasing the singular comic genius of Will Hay--one of the era's most distinctive and influential performers. Known for his portrayal of pompous yet hopelessly incompetent authority figures, Hay carved out a unique niche in British cinema, blending sharp satire with farcical chaos. This collection highlights his enduring appeal through two of his most celebrated films: Boys Will Be Boys (1935) and Where There's a Will (1936), both presented in their original black-and-white glory with a combined runtime of 158 minutes.

In Boys Will Be Boys, Hay stars as Dr. Alec Smart, an unqualified and unscrupulous headmaster who secures his position at the notoriously disreputable Narkover School through dubious means. The institution itself is more renowned for producing criminals than scholars, and Smart's alliance with a former pupil--now an expert forger--sets the stage for an elaborate scheme involving the theft of a valuable necklace. As expected, the plan unravels in spectacular fashion, delivering a cascade of misunderstandings, deception, and escalating absurdity that exemplifies Hay's mastery of comedic timing and character-driven humor.

Where There's a Will shifts the setting but retains Hay's signature persona, this time casting him as Benjamin Stubbins, a down-on-his-luck lawyer whose incompetence is matched only by his misfortune. After inadvertently disrupting a robbery, Stubbins finds himself entangled with a gang of criminals who believe his wealthy relatives make him a valuable target. The narrative builds toward a chaotic social gathering where theft, mistaken identity, and unlikely heroism collide, allowing Hay to transform his character's ineptitude into an unexpected advantage. The film balances situational comedy with a subtle undercurrent of satire, reinforcing Hay's ability to turn failure into farce.

Produced during the Golden Age of British comedy, both films reflect a period when character-driven humor and theatrical influences dominated the screen. Hay's work, often compared to contemporaries like George Formby and Gracie Fields, stands apart for its biting edge and recurring themes of authority undermined by incompetence. His influence can be traced forward to later generations of British comedians, including the anarchic sensibilities of Monty Python and the bureaucratic satire of television comedies such as Fawlty Towers.

This DVD release from VCI Entertainment offers a valuable archival presentation of two essential works from Will Hay's filmography, preserving their historical and comedic significance for modern audiences. For collectors and enthusiasts of early British cinema, Will Hay Double Feature Vol. 1 serves as both an entertaining introduction and a reminder of a performer whose legacy continues to resonate through decades of comedic evolution.

Cast & Crew

•       Will Hay

Additional Details

Label: ITV

Genre: Comedy

Run Time: 158 mins

Release Date: 01/08/13

UPC: 089859878121