Where's That Fire (1940)

Overview

Where’s That Fire? is a delightful British comedy from the golden age of pre-war humour, starring the incomparable Will Hay, flanked by his trusted comic sidekicks Moore Marriott and Graham Moffatt. As the final film featuring the trio together, it is both a hilarious swan song and a prime example of the slapstick-anarchic spirit of British cinema before the Second World War changed the tone of filmmaking.

The film follows the chaotic misadventures of an utterly inept fire brigade led by Will Hay’s character, a clueless fire chief more interested in inventing hare-brained schemes than putting out fires. A mix of farce, satire, and fast-paced gags, Where’s That Fire? is a nostalgic gem that brims with charm and old-school British eccentricity.

Plot Summary

Will Hay stars as Captain Viking, the bumbling leader of the Bishop's Wallop fire brigade—a team so hopelessly incompetent that they’ve never successfully extinguished a fire. His loyal but equally inept colleagues, Jeremiah Harbottle (Moore Marriott), an ancient fireman seemingly made of cobwebs and creaky joints, and Albert (Graham Moffatt), a cheeky junior with little discipline, make up the rest of the brigade.

The film’s central plot revolves around two main threads: Captain Viking’s misguided attempt to modernize the fire service with a new “fire-extinguishing invention” (which, predictably, goes awry), and a subplot involving a gang of criminals trying to steal the British Crown Jewels using the brigade’s fire engine as a getaway vehicle. Naturally, chaos ensues, but through accidental heroism and sheer luck, the firemen manage to bumble their way to unexpected triumph.

Performances

Will Hay as Captain Viking

Will Hay is in top form, displaying his signature mixture of pomposity, cowardice, and endearing cluelessness. His comic timing is impeccable, whether fumbling with hoses, barking absurd orders, or trying to bluff his way through a press conference. Hay’s genius lies in making a fool seem sympathetic—a man desperately trying to maintain authority while the world crumbles (or burns) around him.

Moore Marriott as Harbottle

As always, Marriott is a delight. His portrayal of the doddering old fireman who’s more at home napping than firefighting is filled with visual gags and dry asides. He plays off Hay beautifully, often stealing scenes with his deadpan reactions or bizarre observations.

Graham Moffatt as Albert

Moffatt’s cheeky youth brings the trio down to earth. His boyish swagger and eye-rolling sarcasm provide a fun counterbalance to the incompetence of his elders. As the “streetwise” member of the group, Albert is often the one with the common sense—though he’s rarely listened to.

Direction and Production

Marcel Varnel, one of Britain’s top comedy directors of the 1930s and ’40s (also known for his work with George Formby and The Crazy Gang), keeps the pace brisk and the laughs coming. He skilfully stages slapstick sequences—like a runaway fire engine or an absurd firefighting demonstration gone wrong—with the precision of a farce master.

The film also makes creative use of sets and practical effects. Though obviously low-budget compared to Hollywood productions of the time, the charm lies in its theatricality and inventiveness. The fire station, full of levers, pulleys, and odd contraptions, becomes a playground for visual gags.

Comedy and Style

The humour in Where’s That Fire? is rooted in British absurdism and class satire. The film pokes fun at officialdom, incompetence in public service, and the pomposity of minor authority figures—a staple of British humour that echoes in later works like Dad’s Army and The Office.

Expect:

Slapstick comedy (runaway fire engines, exploding inventions)

Verbal wit and malapropisms (Hay often mixes up terminology or tries to sound smarter than he is)

Running gags (like Harbottle’s chronic sleepiness or Captain Viking’s disastrous invention)

Situational irony, where the characters’ failures lead accidentally to success

What elevates the film is the trio's chemistry. By this point, Hay, Marriott, and Moffatt were a well-oiled comedy machine. Their rhythms are perfect, their bickering is affectionate, and their timing is clockwork.

Themes and Subtext

Ineptitude vs. Heroism

The film revels in the idea that people in positions of authority are often least qualified for the job. But it also subtly suggests that even fools can rise to the occasion—by accident or otherwise. It’s a playful dig at the British establishment during a time when national confidence was under threat.

National Spirit

Released just months after the outbreak of WWII, Where’s That Fire? serves as a morale-booster. The incompetent fire brigade inadvertently protecting the Crown Jewels is a kind of comic allegory: even the most flawed citizens can become guardians of tradition and national pride when needed.

Legacy and Impact

Though not as frequently discussed today as Hay’s earlier hits like Oh, Mr. Porter! (1937), Where’s That Fire? remains a fan favourite among enthusiasts of British classic comedy. It was the final film featuring the trio of Hay, Marriott, and Moffatt—a comic team as influential in their time as The Marx Brothers or Laurel & Hardy.

The trio’s influence can be seen in later British comedy duos and ensembles. Their comedic DNA runs through Hancock’s Half Hour, Monty Python, The Goon Show, and beyond.

It also marks the end of an era. The world was about to change dramatically with the escalation of war, and Hay would soon move on to solo work. But Where’s That Fire? is a time capsule of Britain’s pre-war innocence—madcap, irreverent, and immensely lovable.

Final Verdict

Where’s That Fire? is a riotous farce anchored by a trio of comic legends. Though some gags are delightfully dated, the film’s wit, physical comedy, and spirited performances continue to charm. It's a warm farewell to one of British cinema’s greatest comedy teams and a must-see for fans of classic humour.