On the Beat

Because I'm laughing behind and the reason is this little fella, known as Mr Pitkin...

Another hit by the maestro of comedy. I did not like it much when I saw it for the first time mostly due to the fact that I did not understand quite a lot, but later, as I watched it in my native language, I got amazed by Mr Norman Wisdom's genius again.

It's damn funny with tons of funny episodes Check out the one with those two nosey neighbours behind the door (the old lady jerks her head and hits the chin of the man - it sounds simply outstanding and looks totally stupid).

Great timing and performance... yes, 10 out of 10. No question.

Movie fans who enjoy Jerry Lewis, Red Skelton and Abbott and Costello movies should like Norman Wisdom. This British comedy star of the mid- 20th century had a little bit of those comedians in his style. Yet, he had a character all his own.

"On the Beat" is a later film of his in which Wisdom plays Norman Pitkin, a wannabe Bobby. His father had been a policeman, but Norman can't get on the force because he's not tall enough to qualify. So, he has been working for Scotland Yard washing cars. He daydreams of being a crime- buster. Eventually, the right opportunity comes along and Norman impersonates an Italian underworld figure. He plays both roles and is very funny as Giulio Napolitani.

Pandemonium and hilarity break out from there on. I think this is one of his funniest films. It has one of the longest and funniest chases on foot ever filmed. "On the Beat" is sure to please anyone who enjoys just plain humor and crazy antics.

Although Norman is often disparaged in the land of his birth there can be no doubt that this is a very funny and original film. If you have not seen this film I would like to advise you that it contains one of the funniest scenes on celluloid: Norman has always been turned down for the Police because of his height; he is much too short. Following an epiphanic moment in the street he goes along to his next medical - in stilts! Gags abound in the doctor's room ending with a quite hilarious punchline from the doctor. These old b&w films can be picked up fairly cheaply on video now. If you see this one get it - that scene alone is worth the money.

I have started to become very fond of Norman Wisdom and his work. He has a very endearing wide-eyed innocence about him and his films are funny and quirky. On the Beat I do like a lot. I do think though it runs a little too long, and the story is on the simplistic side of things. However, I loved the luscious black and white photography and well-constructed sets and scenery. The score is suitably quirky, and the script I think is sublime with a nice balance of humour and poignancy. The comedy is quite standard and not always original, but it succeeded in being funny, I especially liked the parts with the stilts and nosey neighbours. Norman Wisdom himself is great as he always is too. All in all, very entertaining film if not quite a favourite. 8/10 Bethany Cox

Norman Pitkin has dreams of being a police officer like his dear old dad. However he is too short to make the force and instead works as the parking attendant for the fleet. Despite repeating attempts hs can't make the force until it's noticed that he's the spitting image of a suspected criminal, Giulio Napolitani. Pitkin is recruited to infiltrate the gang and take evidence.

I'm a big Wisdom fan – but not the extent that I can't see when he has a weak spell. This film is a rerun of a similar theme a few years before when Pitkin tried to join the army. However this is not as funny as that as it is mostly very basic clowning with only a couple of funny, clever routines. The plot relies on the old-lookalike chestnut but doesn't use it until the last 20 minutes or so. It's still funny but lacks energy and the wit of some of his better routines.

Wisdom is as good as always and does his best whether the material is limited or not. He is impressive as two characters despite the fact that they aren't very funny. The problem is that he doesn't have a good support cast. Sure there's a few faces that you'll recognise from other more famous films but where's the regulars? Jerry Desmonde and Mr Grimsdale are both great actors/characters and they make a Wisdom film better. Here the support cast can't lift the film at all.

Overall it's still enjoyable even if it is very basic clowning that will mainly please kids, but this is not one of Wisdom's best.