A ukulele-playing mechanic builds a tank in his shed. Peak British chaos.
Get Cracking is a 1943 British comedy war film, directed by Marcel Varnel and starring Dinah Sheridan, Ronald Shiner and George Formby. It was produced by Marcel Varnel, Ben Henry and Columbia (British) Productions. This comedy explores the wayward rivalry between mechanic and Home Guard Lance Corporal George Singleton (George Formby) and an adversary also in the Home Guard (Ronald Shiner). When the rival Home Guard units of Major Wallop and Minor Wallop are sent on battle manoeuvres, George Singleton (Formby) launches his own unique style of commando raid against neighbouring Major Wallop to steal a Vickers machine gun. The raid fails and Singleton loses his Lance Corporal's stripe, so he and a little evacuee girl named Irene (Vera Frances) decide to fall back on 'Plan B' - to build their very own tank.
Acting
George Formby's toothy charm and ukulele serenades.
Practical Effects
The homemade tank — peak 1940s British make-do.
Director
Marcel Varnel
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Filmed during WWII, this was propaganda with a wink — boosting morale by mocking bumbling authority while celebrating plucky civilian spirit.
George Formby was Britain's highest-paid entertainer during the war; this was one of seven films he made with director Marcel Varnel.
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