Up Pompeii

Poor Frankie didn't have a lot of luck in the world of film - making a string of Norman Wisdom type of comedies in the 50's, two Carry Ons in the sixties, and then this, the first of a trilogy of "Up..." films. This is probably his best starring vehicle. Scripted by Dave Freeman, Sid Colin and Talbot Rothwell, this, at least fairs better than the average sitcom-to-film venture; for this doesn't rely on the string of half-hour stories lifted from the television show to support the 90 mins. The reason is simple, all the writers were already experienced with writing films. All that has been lifted from the show is the majority of double entendre groan-worthy gags which, thankfully, when performed by Howerd, still raise a titter. With fine support from Patrick Cargill, Michael Hordern, Bernard Bresslaw, Hugh Paddick, Julie Ege etc. this is bound to make you laugh... even if it's just a bit.