Watch Charley's Big-Hearted Aunt

Charley's Big-Hearted Aunt is a classic British comedy film released in 1940, directed by Walter Forde and based on the popular stage play of the same name. Starring Arthur Askey, Richard Murdoch, Graham Moffatt, Moore Marriott, J.H. Roberts, Felix Aylmer, Wally Patch, and Phyllis Calvert, the film tells the hilarious story of an Oxford undergraduate, Charles Wyckham, who impersonates his wealthy Aunt Lucy to avoid getting expelled from the college and win the love of his sweetheart, Amy Johnson.

The plot of Charley's Big-Hearted Aunt revolves around Charley Wyckham, a cheerful and carefree undergraduate at Oxford University, who is madly in love with his sweetheart, Amy Johnson. However, Charley's reckless behavior and poor grades have put him in danger of being expelled from the college. Desperate to stay in school and win Amy's heart, Charley hatches a plan with his friend, Jack Chesney, to invite Amy and her friend, Kitty Verdun, to lunch and show off his Aunt Lucy, who is known for her wealth and eccentricity.

However, things take a hilarious turn when Aunt Lucy cancels her visit to Oxford at the last minute, leaving Charley and Jack in a fix. To avoid getting expelled and impress Amy and Kitty, Charley decides to impersonate his Aunt Lucy, with the help of Jack and their porter, Brassett. The trio puts on a show of Aunt Lucy's flamboyant personality and wealth, fooling everyone, including Amy and Kitty's guardian, Stephen Spettigue. However, their scheme becomes more complicated when Spettigue reveals his plans to marry Aunt Lucy for her fortune, prompting Charley and his friends to hatch a new plan to outwit him and win the girl they love.

Charley's Big-Hearted Aunt is a witty and clever farce that features memorable performances from its cast. Arthur Askey plays the lead role of Charley with aplomb, injecting his character with a sense of humor and mischief that makes him endearing to the audience. Richard Murdoch plays his friend, Jack, with equal charm, providing the perfect foil to Charley's antics. Graham Moffatt and Moore Marriott bring their characteristic comic timing to their roles as Brassett and Spettigue, respectively, adding to the hilarity of the film.

The film's setting, Oxford University, adds an air of sophistication to the story, providing a vivid backdrop for the characters' antics. The costumes and sets are also notable for their attention to detail, evoking the elegance and extravagance of the Edwardian era.

Overall, Charley's Big-Hearted Aunt is a delightful comedy that offers a blend of witty humor, farcical situations, and memorable characters. It's a testament to the enduring appeal of British comedy and a must-watch for fans of classic cinema.