Inn for Trouble

'Inn For Trouble' is a classic British comedy, with some great cast members, a good plot and loads of laughs, which score full pints with this viewer. Like many films from this period, half the pleasure lies in viewing a vanished world that never existed. Alan Wheatley reprises his role as the Sheriff of Nottingham (1950's TV Adventures of Robin Hood series) but in a suit; Leslie Phillips is the suave brewery owner; Charles Hawtrey is as mad as ever and there are bit parts from such greats as Irene Handl, Esme Cannon and Stanley Unwin. Immortals all! Anyone who doesn't like this film obviously has no sense of humour and has probably only watched it because it was part of a media studies course.

This was a spinoff from the popular ITV show The Larkins which ran from 1958 till 1964,so it was popular.There was a sister in the series who was replaced by Yvonne Monlar as a French barmaid.Lots of familiar tv faces of the time.Gerald Campion who was Billy Bunter, Willoughby Goddard and Alan Wheatley,both in Robin Hood.Graham Moffat appears in his penultimate film.He had a brief walk on in 80000 Suspects.Otherwise not a particularly funny or memorable film.

The Larkins are made managers of a country pub and get caught in the middle of several messes, including a local squire who makes his own beer and a new road that may be passing by the front door. As it is, there's no business. The pub is in the middle of nowhere and a local squire makes a beer far superior to the Belcher brand they must sell.

Peggy Mount and David Kossoff star as the Larkins, a spin-off from a popular TV series of the day. They arrive in the country with a a dopey son (Shaun O'Riordan) and a Canadian relative (Roman O'Casey). The local squire (Glyn Owen) is involved with their only paying guest, a French artist (Yvonne Monlaur) while Silas (Charles Hawtrey) lurks about, trying to make them fail.

Not quite as zany as it could have been, but there are a few good laughs and Peggy Mount is always a joy to watch. Lots of familiar faces include Leslie Phillips as Belcher, Graham Moffatt, as Jumbo, Irene Handl as the post mistress, Esma Cannon as a local gossip, Alan Wheatley as the business rival, Willoughby Goddard as the constable, Betty Mitchell as the London neighbor, Gerald Campion as the scout, and A.E. Matthews as the aged hunter.

Worth a look.

Preserving for posterity the cast of 'The Larkins' supported by the likes of Will Hay's fat boy and the Vicar in 'Dad's Army', you know what to expect when our heroes first arrive and the yokel they ask for directions is played by Stanley Unwin.

The Larkins think they've got it made when they're given a Country pub, Ye Earl of Osborne to look after, the trouble is it comes with several complications.

I suppose if you're a fan of The Larkins, you'll probably enjoy this low budget comedy caper. Personally I have been a fan of this film for some years, long before I even saw an episode of the TV series.

I've been working my way though The Larkins, and this felt like the right time to revisit In for Trouble. It's gentle, breezy humour, good wholesome comedy.

I found it funny in general, even Eddie was well utilised, sometimes on the TV series he's made to be a little too wet.

Peggy Mount steals the show (let's be honest, when didn't she) as Ada, the domineering matriarch, the force at the head of the family, naturally she spends most of the film barking orders at poor Alf.

David Kossoff is so good as henpecked husband Alf, he plays the part so well. So many familiar faces in small roles, watch for Leslie Phillips, Irene Handl, Charles Hawtrey and Esma Cannon, all relatively minor roles, but all good value.

8/10.