This film screens on Talking Pictures and I hope they are not put off by the disgraceful one star the 'Radio Times' gave it the last time it was shown. This (for those who live outside the UK) is our leading radio and television magazine. I have an original 'Picture Show' magazine from 1955 which gives it the full three stars which was the highest accolade then. Are we all so jaded that we cannot experience a witty, well-acted film which is arguably as great as 'Genevieve'? Why the comparison? William Rose wrote both scripts, Touch & Go in collaboration with his wife Tania Rose, whose first name is actually mentioned in 'Genevieve'. His third great film was the delightful 'The Smallest Show on Earth'. Sadly the actor John Fraser died in London in 2020, and he was an excellent actor who I hope will be long remembered for many fine performances, including in this film.
The screenplay of 'Touch and Go' has much in common with 'Genevieve' including a love of old cars and a touch of magic. In 'Genevieve' it was the car taking on a life of its own at the end of the film after its exhausting Brighton to London journey. In 'Touch and Go' it is the hidden perseverance of a black cat who casts his spell to prevent the emigration of the family to Australia.
I give this film the accolade of ten stars in keeping with the critics of 1955 for its wit, humour and joy of love which have not faded over the years. William Rose gave us truly original scripts and, in this trilogy of comic and human delight that I mentioned before, he deserves better recognition. These are, all three, treasured masterpieces.