Gasbags (1941)
A riotous British wartime comedy in which the Crazy Gang accidentally float into Nazi Germany aboard a runaway barrage balloon.
Gasbags - Movie Information
- Release Year: 1941
- Directed by: Marcel Varnel, Walter Forde
- Type: Movie
- Genres: War, Adventure, Comedy
- Runtime: 1h 17m
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- Release Date (Theatrical): February 1, 1941 (United Kingdom - PG)
- Production Companies: Gainsborough Pictures
- Production Countries: United Kingdom
Gasbags - Plot
It's war time London and the Crazy Gang (Flanagan & Allen, Nervo & Knox, Naughton & Gold) are doing their bit for the war effort by running a fish and chip stall using their platoon's barrage balloon for advertising. Their Sgt Major is not happy about this and orders them to take the balloon down, but a freak heavy wind accidentally carries the gang away to Nazi Germany. They are captured and placed in a detention camp where they meet an elderly prisoner named Jerry, who possess a map for the location of a secret weapon which will win the war! Fortunately Teddy Knox's impersonation of Hitler lands him the spot of pretending to be the Fuhrer at a gala dinner and the gang are allowed out of the camp. However the Nazis have other ideas for their substitute leader.
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Gasbags - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Marcel Varnel
- Walter Forde
Main Cast
- Bud Flanagan
- Chesney Allen
- Jimmy Nervo
- Teddy Knox
- Charlie Naughton
- Jimmy Gold
- Moore Marriott
- Wally Patch
- Peter Gawthorne
- Frederick Valk
Writers
- Val Guest
- Val Valentine
- Marriott Edgar
Gasbags - FAQs
What is Gasbags about?
Gasbags follows the Crazy Gang — Britain's beloved comedy troupe — who accidentally get swept away to Nazi Germany aboard a runaway barrage balloon during WWII. Once captured, they stumble upon a map to a secret weapon and must use wit, slapstick, and a daring Hitler impersonation to escape.
Who plays Hitler in Gasbags?
Teddy Knox pulls off the cheeky impersonation of Hitler in Gasbags. His uncanny impression lands the gang a seat at a gala dinner, giving them a window to escape the detention camp — and naturally, the Nazis have their own plans for their unexpected substitute Führer.
Who are the main actors in Gasbags?
The film stars the Crazy Gang in full force: Bud Flanagan, Chesney Allen, Jimmy Nervo, Teddy Knox, Charlie Naughton, and Jimmy Gold. They're joined by Moore Marriott, Wally Patch, Peter Gawthorne, and Frederick Valk in key supporting roles.
When was Gasbags released?
Gasbags was released on February 1, 1941, in the United Kingdom. It arrived at a particularly resonant moment — right in the thick of World War II — making its satirical jabs at the Nazi regime all the more pointed and its laughs all the more welcome for wartime audiences.
Who directed Gasbags?
Gasbags was co-directed by Marcel Varnel and Walter Forde, two experienced hands in British comedy filmmaking. Varnel in particular was well known for his work with the Crazy Gang and other comic talents of the era, bringing a sharp sense of timing to the film's farcical set pieces.
What films are similar to Gasbags?
If you enjoy Gasbags, you'll likely love The Great Dictator (1940), Chaplin's own satirical swipe at Hitler, as well as To Be or Not to Be (1942) and The Cow and I (1959). For broader wartime comedy classics, The Life and Death of Colonel Blimp (1943) and 49th Parallel (1941) are well worth your time.
Where can you watch Gasbags online?
You can watch Gasbags on Amazon Video, where it's available to buy or rent. It's a great way to catch this rare wartime gem from the comfort of home — especially if you're discovering the Crazy Gang for the first time.
Who wrote the screenplay for Gasbags?
The screenplay for Gasbags was written by Val Guest, Val Valentine, and Marriott Edgar — a trio with strong roots in British comedy writing. Val Guest in particular went on to a distinguished career as both a writer and director, and his sharp comic instincts are very much on display here.
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