HIT IT BOYS: Lisa Stansfield and Hugo Speer in Swing

WHEN Hugo Speer of Full Monty Fame is released from prison he discovers that not only has his girl-friend Lisa Stansfield met someone else - but she's actually married the copper who put him behind bars. Martin was obviously in girlfriend Joan's (singer Stansfield) bad books. Not only had he committed a crime, but the building society he robbed was where Joan worked.

But Martin is still shocked to discover that while he's been locked up for the last two years, Joan has married his arresting officer Andy (Danny McCall).

While he's been in prison Martin has been taught to play the saxophone by cell mate Jack (Clarence Clemens, former lead sax with Bruce Springsteen's E Street Band) and when he's released decides to set up a swing band - with Joan as the lead singer.

He rounds up pal Buddy (Scott Williams), a pretty unfunny choice of drummer in former racist skin-head Oi (James Hicks), who over acts through-out, and brass play-ers led by Mighty Mac (Alexei Sayle).

But Joan's new hubby Andy isn't happy with her joining the band and sets out to put Martin back behind bars - even if he has to break every rule in the book. Andy is just one of a host of characters who are just totally unbelievable. His evil copper seems like he's just jumped straight out of playing the baddie in panto.

Hugo Speer and Lisa Stansfield make a winning duo in what is essentially a fairly sweet-natured film with some smooth tunes, written and directed by Nick Mead (Parting Shots). Songstress Stansfield makes her movie debut showing she's more than capable of adding acting to her talents. It's a light and undemanding film, but it loses its way in places with some daft characters and unbelievable sequences - although the songs are quite good.

VERDICT: Music fans should get in the swing for this

Converted for the new archive on 25 January 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.