During World War II, a street peddler invents a story about enlisting, which convinces the magistrate to send him to the RAF instead of prison. A new loyal friend goes along with his schemes... Read allDuring World War II, a street peddler invents a story about enlisting, which convinces the magistrate to send him to the RAF instead of prison. A new loyal friend goes along with his schemes to avoid work, but eventually duty calls.During World War II, a street peddler invents a story about enlisting, which convinces the magistrate to send him to the RAF instead of prison. A new loyal friend goes along with his schemes to avoid work, but eventually duty calls.
- Sgt. Ellis
- (as Graham Starke)
Storyline
Did you know
- TriviaIn 1965, at the height of the James Bond craze, "American-International Pictures" released this movie in the U.S. as "Operation Snafu". The title, as well as the advertising campaign, downplayed the comedic aspects of the movie, and by highlighting Sir Sean Connery's appearance (he was second-billed), suggested it was an espionage thriller in the tradition of the James Bond movies that were then breaking box-office records worldwide.
- Quotes
Flora McNaughton: [sudden power cut, room dimly lit by the roaring fire] I must find some candles, can't eat in the dark.
Flora McNaughton: [Flora chattering, as Pedlar moves closer] when we were children we used to hide in the dark and try to scare each other.
Pedlar Pascoe: You're not scared now ma'am now are you ?
[putting his arms around Flora]
Flora McNaughton: No but... .
Flora McNaughton: [Pedlar kisses Flora and sweeps her into his arms] Airman, put me down, this instance !
Flora McNaughton: [Pedlar kisses Flora again] Put me down... .. and take off your boots.
- ConnectionsFeatured in Film '72: Never Say Never Again Special (1983)
I watched this film recently in a sort of tribute to it's main star Alfred Lynch, who sadly died over the Christmas holiday 2003. I had never seen this film of his before and didn't even know when it was made. The reason I mention that is because this film feels like one of those Norman Wisdom films where the English cheeky chappy unwittingly does heroics in the war, all with a `blimey gov'ner' and so on. Instead this was made in the 1960's, although I can't think why. The basic plot sets up a series of little amusing scams before the sudden heroics that we all know will come sooner or later. While it is rarely hilarious, it is amusing at turns and is worth watching as long as you don't expect too much of it.
Lynch plays a character that wouldn't have really worked in the 1940's as, regardless of his later heroics, he is really far too cowardly and weasely to be a wartime hero - but 15 years later it can be overlooked. He does OK and is a standard cockney type - although it is strange seeing him taking the lead role over Connery. Connery was only a year away from being the legend he now is with Bond and plays totally against what would now be considered type. He is a little bit simple but good hearted; while the role is hard to swallow now, he does play it well. The support cast is surprisingly deep considering the material; Parker, Le Mesurier, Owen and Windsor are among the famous faces.
Overall this is an enjoyable film that is never hilarious but has the amusing, music hall air of a propaganda movie from 15 years older. I wonder how this film was received as it must have seemed outdated even the day it was released - watching it now is probably better cause it is just an `old' film. It's not great but the cast is famous and the comedy is gentle and old fashioned - an average film but still worth seeing.
- bob the moo
- Jan 17, 2004
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Details
- Release date
- Country of origin
- Language
- Also known as
- Operation Snafu
- Filming locations
- Shere, Surrey, England, UK(Butcher's Shop)
- Production companies
- See more company credits at IMDbPro
- Runtime1 hour 29 minutes
- Color
- Aspect ratio
- 1.66 : 1