£12

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DVD REVIEW BY TONY THORNTON, EDITOR OF 'THE VELLUM'...

Andy pays homage to the entertainers who kept us ‘smiling through’, in this heart-warming tribute to the indomitable spirit of war-torn Britain. He performs a collection of 'forties favourites' written to make light of the blackout, gas masks and food shortages.

Andy says it’s his ‘first venture into the world of video’ so if you haven’t seen his stage show now’s your chance to marvel at the man.

Its appeal will stretch far beyond those who remember those dark days – a good song is a song forever.

Throughout the DVD, Andy performs on stage, outdoors with soldiers, in a 1940s house, and in a Dad’s Army Museum - watch out for 'Captain Mainwaring'!

During each song the camera cuts seamlessly to each of these locations. This is an amazing feat of editing that attracts the viewer’s attention like a magnet. Slotted into these is startling footage of the war: troops, spitfires, warships, and tanks.

Andy introduces each section and you’ll soon warm to his unaffected style. He is joined by members of the Royal Ulster Rifles Living History Group to add realism to the scenes.

The DVD opens well with Seigfried Line and Bless ’Em All, followed by comic songs about bananas, eggs and apple pie.

There is a tribute to George Formby (of course!) as Andy performs When I'm Cleaning Windows and Leaning On A Lamp-post. These songs are on his CDs but here you can watch his ‘live’ performance. Your eyes will be glued to his fingers – not wanting to miss a second of his dazzling technique!

Andy’s stage act also includes an impersonation of Arthur Askey and this is included here. The Bee Song is a bit daft but you can’t help smiling – which is what it’s all about!

An unexpected treat was Andy’s charming piano introduction to We’ll Meet Again. He switches to the wooden uke and sings it beautifully with the backing band at its best. The steam train then takes the lads off to war and if your heart doesn’t melt then it’s surely made of stone.

As tearful housewives read letters from the front, Andy sings Goodnight Sweetheart. This will captivate those of a certain age (which is me I suppose). Anyway, Pat and I held hands, eyes glistening.

Moonlight Serenade on the wooden uke is delicately done and the sections in unison with the piano work so well.

But it’s his singing that impresses so much and now matches his prowess as an instrumentalist. He hits the notes spot on and his vibrato is perfectly controlled.

For the final section, Andy picks up his violin and the sparks begin to fly. It comes as a shock to realise what a terrific player he is. No he isn’t miming to Stephane Grappelli – he really is that good. This section concludes with a heartstring-tugging tribute to fallen heroes and national pride.

This is the best thing that Andy has ever done, indeed... his 'finest hour'.

Running time: 40 minutes (approx)
Format: PAL
Aspect ratio: 16:9

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