Panic in the Parlor

I don't usually give movies beyond the 1980's any time of day, but today I finished work early and just happened to catch this movie on channel 4.

The storyline isn't very deep, but I found the movie hilarious, which surprised me. I really enjoyed the performances of all the characters, especially the loud mouthed Emma (Peggy Mount).

It's a light weight comedy, not to be taken seriously, its just fun and perfect for an afternoons viewing. I actually now want to check out similar movies with Peggy and some of the other cast. Sad to learn most of the cast had passed away but real talent never really dies.

I recommend this to anyone with an open mind, and doesn't want a movie with too much going on, you'll be in stitches! Simple humour, classic!

The title 'Sailor Beware!' suggest a service comedy, but it's really a domestic farce with a preponderance of females dominated by Peggy Mount (whose view of men is that "you can't reason with a man you've gotta train them"), while Gordon Jackson is actually seen sharing a bed with Ronald Lewis, with sweet little Esma Cannon described by Jackson as "the bride of the harem"; while only in the movies could Mount have such a fox for a niece as Joy Webster.

The transfer to the screen is pretty rudimentary so it comes as quite a shock to see that the lighting has been entrusted to Douglas Slocombe and that it was produced by Jack Clayton.

Make time to see this classic British film and see the many stars that would become household names in the 60's and 70's. Peggy Mount dominates the film as the 'dragon' as only she could, stealing every scene she is in, with admirable support from her fellow cast members. This film takes you back to a time when your neighbours were part of your family and your doors were never locked as you had nothing to fear. Portraying what was good and decent in a time when the war was still a recent memory, indeed some rationing was still a part of life, this film shows what was expected of people, respect each other and abide by their standards. Other cast members went on to greater things eg Gordon Jackson{Upstairs Downstairs, The Professionals} and Shirley Eaton and Geoffrey Keen became part of James Bond folklore.

In contrast to the previous commentator, I found this film delightful from beginning to end. A splendid fast and furious script with some rare tear-jerking comedy from excellent performances all-round. This really had me on the edge of my seat waiting for the next farce. A simple straightforward domestic story line of newlyweds and a sailors life with mother-in-law Peggy Mount, most definitely at her best in this rare and not to be missed 50's classic. The foreseeable doom of marrying the daughter of a notorious battle axe and living next door becomes all too much for the young sailor who accompanied by his "best man" friend try to tackle ever more confusing situations. This is a film that in its own way describes the foibles of everyday 1950's life. See it if you get a chance as its rarely screened.

In my opinion one of those lesser known comedies that seen advertised one would pass up.That would be a grate shame as there are some of Britain's classic 1950's comedy actors staring.Peggy mount steals the film she plays as always the "dragon" but as always plays it so well. Life as it was warts and all and a time of morals right or wrong which has passed by.