John Gay's colourful musical play eventually begot the memorable Threepenny Opera. But here's the original version of the story of the scoundrel awaiting execution, and the women who create his lifeline. Laurence Olivier (as Macheath) and Stanley Holloway sing their own songs, the rest of the cast is superbly dubbed by operatic experts. Vivid, vigorous and stimulating, if perhaps never quite true cinema. Brilliant Technicolor photography by Guy Green, who could always be replied on for a first-class job, and a small early role for Kenneth Williams.


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