Brass Monkey (film)

Brass Monkey
Directed by	Thornton Freeland dialogue director Denny Freeman
Produced by	N.A. Bronsten associate John R. Sloan
Written by	Alec Coppel additional dialogue William Freshman Vernon Sylvaine Robert Buckland
Based on	an original story by Alec Coppel Thornton Freeland
Starring	Carroll Levis Carole Landis Herbert Lom
Music by	Dr. Bernard Grun
Cinematography	Basil Emmott
Edited by	David Hawkins
Distributed by	United Artists
Release date	1949 (UK)
Running time	100 min.
Country	United Kingdom
Language	English

Brass Monkey or The Brass Monkey (1948) is a British comedy thriller with musical asides, directed by Thornton Freeland. It stars Carroll Levis, a radio variety show host and talent scout (known as "Britains favorite Canadian") and American actress Carole Landis. This was Landis' last film. Also known as The Lucky Mascot, the film is noted for an early appearance by comic actor Terry-Thomas, playing himself.

Though made in 1948, The Brass Monkey wasn't released in the US until 1951.

Popular radio presenter Carroll Levis (playing himself), and Kay Sheldon (Carole Landis) find themselves entangled in a web of smuggling and murder. When a priceless "brass monkey" is stolen from a Japanese temple and smuggled into England, Levis encounters the eccentric Mr. Ryder-Harris (Ernest Thesiger), a Buddhist art connoisseur who's chasing the artefact, and will apparently stop at nothing to get it. The monkey is missing and there’s a suspicion murders are being committed in the hunt for its retrieval. With the help of the Discoveries radio talent, Levis attempts to avoid murderous henchman Herbert Lom, and foil Mr. Ryder-Harris's plans. Amongst all the mayhem, an array of musical and comedy performers audition for and appear on The Levis Hour, the hero's weekly radio program.

Landis arrived in England to make the film in August 1947. Landis says she encouraged English actors to speak slower so US audiences could understand them.

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