This Children’s Film Foundation (CFF) production stars a very young Michael Crawford (the future Phantom of the Opera and star of Some Mothers Do ‘Ave ‘Em) as Jim Fenn, a young boy learning to play the cornet with his heart set on winning a local competition and a place in the local Brickside Colliery Band.
Jim faces stiff opposition from his rival, Tony Holroyd (Martyn Shields) and his wealthy and influential father.
Band conductor Bob Duff (Peter Butterworth) takes a shine to Jim and helps him learn. Although Tony goes to great lengths to sabotage Jim’s chances, Jim has the help and encouragement of his sister, Helen (Gillian Harrison).
Whenever Michael Crawford is seen playing the cornet, it is 12-year-old Stanley James of the Arley Welfare Band actually playing.
All the other solos given by child actors in the film were also played by young members of the band, including Brian Harris (18), Robert Blackburn (16), Laurie Blackburn (18), Terry Brotherhood (12) and Billy Chuter (17).
The movie was filmed at Merton Park Studios and on location in and around Arley Colliery in Warwickshire.
Jim Fenn
Michael Crawford Mr Bob Duff
Peter Butterworth Helen Fenn
Gillian Harrison Tony Holroyd
Martyn Shields Bert
Michael Craze The Arley Welfare Band
Themselves
Director
Cecil Musk
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Jim faces stiff opposition from his rival, Tony Holroyd (Martyn Shields) and his wealthy and influential father.
