Off the Dole

Off the Dole is a 1935 British film starring George Formby. Formby appeared as John Willie, a stage character originally developed by his father, George Formby, Sr.; Beryl Formby, Formby Jnr's wife, also appeared in the film.

Off the Dole
Theatrical release poster
Directed by	Arthur Mertz
Written by	John E. Blakeley Arthur Mertz
Produced by	John E. Blakeley
Starring	George Formby Beryl Formby Constance Shotter Dan Crisp James Plant
Cinematography	John W. Boyle
Edited by	Dennis Cantlan
Music by	Arthur L Ward
Production company	Mancunian Film Corporation
Release date	September 1935 (1935-09)
Running time	87 minutes
Country	United Kingdom
Language	English

Plot

John Willie has his dole money denied him for moonlighting and not trying to find work. His uncle asks him to take over his detective agency.

Cast

• George Formby as John Willie
• Beryl Formby as Grace, Charm and Ability
• Constance Shotter as Irene
• Dan Crisp as The Inimitable Dude
• James Plant as Crisp and Debonaire
• Stan Pell as The Most Inoffensive Parson
• Stan Little as Little Jack
• Tully Comber as Measured for his Part
• Clifford McLaglen as A Villain and Proud of It
• Wally Patch as Revels in his Part

Background/production

Off the Dole cost £3,000 to make, and earned £80,000 at the box office.^[1] As with Formy's previous film, Boots! Boots! (1934), the film was in a revue format, and also showed Formby in the role of John Willie; Beryl was his co-star.^[2][3] According to Formby's biographer, the cultural historian Jeffrey Richards, the two films "are an invaluable record of the pre-cinematic Formby at work".^[4]