Ferry Cross the Mersey (film) is a delightful 1964 British musical that showcases the talents of Gerry and the Pacemakers.
This iconic movie, often likened to the Beatles' A Hard Day's Night, takes us on a humorous exploration of Liverpool's beat scene.
Join art students Gerry and Fred Marsden, Les Maguire, and Les "Chad" Chadwick as they navigate their way through the vibrant music culture of their hometown.
Plot
The film starts with Gerry and the Pacemakers returning from their trip to America. They are greeted by a frenzy of screaming fans as they make their way through the streets. The scene shifts to the group recording "It's Gonna Be Alright" in the studio.
We are then taken back in time, before the band's rise to fame. Gerry narrates his experiences growing up in Liverpool, accompanied by shots of children playing in the streets. The band performs "Why Oh Why?" at the legendary Cavern Club, captivating the screaming audience.
The next day, Aunt Lil surprises Gerry by waking him up with a cowbell. He quickly gets ready and joins his family for breakfast. Afterward, the group hops on their scooters and heads to the ferry, where they serenade the passengers with "Ferry Cross the Mersey." Their destination? The art school.
In between classes, Dodie reminds Gerry to come up with a winning song for an upcoming beat competition. The Pacemakers showcase their talent with "Fall in Love" and "This Thing Called Love" during lunch at a Chinese restaurant.
Meanwhile, Dodie meets Jack Hanson and convinces him to manage the band. He witnesses the group rehearsing "Think About Love" in a warehouse and offers them his guidance. Gerry, on the other hand, joins his aunt and her orchestra for a rehearsal before playing "She's the Only Girl for Me" in his room.
A letter arrives informing Gerry that Dodie has been in a car accident. Worried, the band rushes to her mansion, only to find her perfectly fine. To lift their spirits, they play "I'll Wait for You" in Dodie's music room.
On the day of the beat competition, the Pacemakers rent a car to transport their instruments, only to realize they've been mistakenly taken to the airport. As other bands perform, the group embarks on a mad dash to retrieve their gear.
In a stroke of luck, they manage to reclaim their instruments just in time. They take the stage amidst an enthusiastic crowd and perform "It's Gonna Be Alright." The audience's applause propels them to victory. The movie concludes with the main characters celebrating their triumph on the ferry.
Cast
Production
Gerry and the Pacemakers' successful trip to America in 1964 inspired manager Brian Epstein to explore the idea of creating a film for the band. Tony Warren, the creator of the soap opera Coronation Street, initially worked on the script, which revolved around the band and ferryboats. However, writer David Franden eventually took over when Warren encountered difficulties completing the script.
Filming took place over three months under the direction of Jeremy Summers. The production team made a conscious effort to shoot scenes near Gerry Marsden's home to maintain authenticity. Locations included the iconic Mountwood ferry on the River Mersey, the Albert Dock, The Cavern Club, Frank Hessy's music store, and the Locarno ballroom.
The film's soundtrack, released in the same year, featured nine new songs written by Gerry Marsden. It also included Cilla Black's "Is it Love?" and the Fourmost's "I Love You Too." The album was complemented by an instrumental track by the George Martin Orchestra.
Interestingly, future Doctor Who actress Elisabeth Sladen made an uncredited appearance as an extra in the film. Disc jockey Steve Wright also featured in the crowd as a young boy.
Reception
Since its theatrical release, Ferry Cross the Mersey has seen limited airtime on British television and was not released on video. Eugene Archer of The New York Times found the film to be derivative and conformist due to its thematic similarities to the Beatles' A Hard Day's Night. Regardless, he acknowledged it as a modest comedy.
A reviewer from the Daily Cinema noted the similarities between the two films but praised Ferry Cross the Mersey as a "winner." They commended the humor, infectious personalities of the band members, and the captivating soundtrack. However, Variety criticized the movie's script as "noisy, corny, and full of clichés."
Conclusion
Ferry Cross the Mersey (film) captures the essence of Liverpool's beat scene in a joyous and entertaining way. Gerry and the Pacemakers' musical talent, coupled with the film's vibrant energy, make it a must-watch for fans of British music history. So hop on board and experience the magic of the Mersey.
