I always have time to watch a Basil Deardon film, and this is an unusual film in his oeuvre, as it's a comedy. It starts with a delightful eccentric opening scene and I was fired up, from then on, particularly with Shirley Ann Field's entrance.
After the wonderful start I then had to persevere, as Kenneth More was starting to grate on me, as there was too much dialogue from him. I'm pleased to say it was worth it, as there are some good visual gags, some pure slapstick, and I particularly liked the windy Common Cold Research Station.
There are a couple of interesting scenes when Keneth More dons his space suit and goes through the process of entering the space ship. The other was in the immersion/flotation tank, where they are tryng to change Charles Gray's bad attitude, with mind control (?).
There is a belter of a line in the film when they ask about the potential astronault's politics, that made me crease up with laughter, but I will not spoil it for you.
It's all ridiculous of course, and the only other actor worth mentioning (other than Shirley Ann Field) is Michael Horden, who plays it generally straight, which was needed. Back to Shirley Ann Field, and she steams through this film and is as sultry as they come (it was 1960 after all). Each moment she is on screen is worthwhile, just a shame that we do not see enough of her, but then again, I wouldn't want more.
Whether to watch or pass? If you can sit through cheaply made black & white British films from 1960 (before the 60's swung), that are playful with some worthwhile moments, then I'd say yes. Not high art, but I'm glad I watched it, and it did make me laugh at times.
