The ebullient comedy films of the 1930s brought escape and laughter to millions of British cinemagoers, enabling veteran stars of the music-hall and theatre to reach out to a wider audience - making household names of performers like Leslie Fuller, Hal Gordon, Bobby Howes, Ernest Lotinga and Gene Gerrard.

Although comedy would prove to be the decade's most successful film genre, many of these classic early talkies have remained unseen since their original release. From boisterous knockabout humour to polished adaptations of popular stage farces, this ongoing collection showcases a wealth of rare features, each presented uncut, in a brand-new transfer from the best available elements in their as-exhibited theatrical aspect ratio.

Housemaster (1938)
The incoming headmaster of a venerable public school causes ructions when he unleashes a welter of red tape and puritanical 'reforms'.

Me And My Pal (1939)
When Dave and Hal are stopped for speeding, Dave's remonstrations are overheard by a racketeer who thinks he's just the kind of mug he could put to use...

First released: Sunday 22nd May 2016