Once a Jolly Swagman

Once a Jolly Swagman is a 1949 British film starring Dirk Bogarde, Bonar Colleano, Bill Owen, Thora Hird and Sid James. It is centred on the sport of motorcycle speedway racing, which was at its peak of popularity at the time. It was released in the U.S. as Maniacs on Wheels. The film is based on the 1946 novel by Charles Montagu Slater 

The title of the film refers to the first line of the Australian song "Waltzing Matilda".

Director Jack Lee later said he enjoyed making the film "because it was physical, there was action and I had good actors." 

Cast 

• Bill Fox - Dirk Bogarde
• Tommy Possey - Bonar Colleano
• Pat Gibbon - Renée Asherson
• Lag Gibbon - Bill Owen
• Dorothy 'Dotty' Liz - Moira Lister
• Ma Fox- Thora Hird
• Duggie Lewis - Cyril Cusack
• Rowton - Sidney James
• Pa Fox - James Hayter
• Dick Fox - Patric Doonan
• Mr Pusey - Russell Waters
• Taffy - Dudley Jones
• Derek Blake - Anthony Oliver
• Mrs Lewis - Pauline Jameson
• Kay Fox - Sandra Dorne
• Christopher Yates - Stuart Lindsell
• Chick- Frederick Knight
• Solicitor - Michael Kent
• Jimmy, the Reporter - Cyril Chamberlain
• WAAF Flight Sergeant - June Bardsley