© 2014-2026 A. G. Kozak
I wonder how many people first encountered Elsie Carlisle’s music through the 1978 Dennis Potter BBC television series Pennies from Heaven (or through the 1981 movie based on it)? This clip has Cheryl Campbell miming “You’ve Got Me Crying Again”: And here is Bob Hoskins miming “The Clouds Will Soon Roll By” (the Ambrose version):
“Ambrose’s Jubilee Cavalcade” continues on side two with Elsie Carlisle singing Irving Berlin’s “What’ll I Do?” There are also other songs of the ’20s and ’30s sung by Sam Browne and the Rhythm Sisters.
On March 7, 1935, Ambrose and His Orchestra celebrated the twenty-fifth year of the reign of King George V with selections of songs popular since his accession to the throne. The first side of “Ambrose’s Jubilee Cavalcade,” which covers the years 1910-1923, features Elsie Carlisle singing “Lady Friend” (about a minute into the recording). Sam …
“My Old Flame.” Composed by Arthur Johnston (who also wrote “Pennies from Heaven”), with lyrics by Sam Coslow. Elsie Carlisle with Ambrose and His Orchestra (Embassy Club, London, November 1, 1934). Decca F-5293 mx. TB-1702-1.
“Please Leave My Butter Alone.” Recorded by Elsie Carlisle on December 27, 1940 in the context of war rationing: “Everybody pinches my butter; They won’t leave my butter alone! And nothing is better than butter For keeping the old man at home.Everybody says I’m old-fashioned To sit on the things that are rationed, etc.” It must …
