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!

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.

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.

With post-war demobilisation, young men coming home after a good many years, in some cases maybe a decade, in the armed forces, wanted to marry and settle down. However, after spending their formative adult years in a very different environment, they had outgrown the small suburban world of their parents. Beginning married life living with, or near, your in-laws was undesirable, but often unavoidable. Many marriages foundered at this point, others escaped through emigration. The situation in this film, although exaggerated, would have been familiar to the audience, who could go away and write their own sequels, as there is no solid resolution offered. The figure of the "Mother-in-law from Hell" is on the surface comic, but is actually tragic, we are shown ways out for everyone else, but she is trapped. The film is well made, and well acted. It is not The Magnificent Ambersons, nor was it meant to be, it has no pretensions to Art, makes no profound statements, but effectively illustrates one aspect of the human condition. Those involved in the making of this film would doubtless be surprised that it is still being watched, and appreciated, almost sixty years on. Anyone who recalls the era, or is interested in it, will not be disappointed.

An absolute classic of its time. Peggy Mount is wonderful to observe as she plays the mother in law from hell (you can keep 'Meet The Parents'. Esma Cannon, the classic comedy regular, is a joy as the brow beaten sister in law, as is Cyril Smith as the henpecked husband who tries to find solace with his ferrets on the back yard, he does goes off the rails occasionally, raising Peggy Mounts temper. Also, keep an eye open for Thora Hird playing the archetypal interfering nosey neighbour. If you enjoy and appreciate British classic comedy films then you shouldn't miss this one, anyone who says otherwise is really missing the point and doesn't understand British comedy at all.