Billy Merson

'Strong man dreams of bungalow honeymoon with revue star.' (British Film Catalogue)

An out-of-work comedian persuades a drunken nobleman to join a protest against the closing of a village hall.

A mill worker with show biz dreams catches a big break when she's discovered by an ailing composer who's seeking the right singer for his songs.

'Billy Merson, the great Nottingham-born music hall performer, presents one of his signature numbers. The film clearly captures Merson's comic brilliance - he not only sings, but dances, skips and indulges in a lot of creative business with a lyre. Merson had been making films since 1915 and Desdemonia is often cited as Britain's first sound film.' (Robin Baker, BFI)