In 1930, Halfpenny Orpheum produced Banish Not Jack, an adaptation of William Shakespeare’s Henry IV told from the perspective of Falstaff (portrayed by Alec B. Francis). Apparently, this film was a favourite of Orson Welles, who is quoted as saying that it influenced his performance in Chimes at Midnight (1965).
If sack and sugar be a fault, God help the wicked. If to be old and merry be a sin, then many an old host that I know is damned. If to be fat be to be hated, then Pharaoh’s lean kine are to be loved. No, my good lord, banish Peto, banish Bardolph, banish Poins, but for sweet Jack Falstaff, kind Jack Falstaff, true Jack Falstaff, valiant Jack Falstaff, and therefore more valiant being, as he is, old Jack Falstaff,
Banish not him thy Harry’s company,
Banish not him thy Harry’s company.
Banish plump Jack, and banish all the world.
