Will Hay, Graham Moffatt and Moore Marriott star as the police force for the small town of Turnbothom Round in England. The film begins with BBC Radio interviewing the Sergeant (Hay) to discover the force's secret--after all, they've had not a single recorded crime there in over a decade--not even petty ones. Soon, however, it becomes obvious that these policemen not only ignore every crime but often participate in them with gusto as well. This scene where you see Moffatt and Marriott committing the very same crimes the announcers lists is a bit over-done but it did elicit a few giggles.
Because this disastrous interview brings the incompetence of the force to everyone's attention, their boss, the Chief Constable, back in London, decides to investigate. When the boys learn of this, they feel that if they made a few arrests he'd let them keep their jobs. This is the best part of the film and watching these idiots trying to arrest innocent people is funny. I won't say more--it would spoil the fun. However, suffice to say the Chief Constable is NOT impressed.
After thoroughly irritating their boss, the trio soon learn of a gang of smugglers. Perhaps if they can catch them they can STILL keep their jobs--and perhaps even be heroes. But, naturally, they muck it up and the coppers think THEY are the crooks. Can the bumblers somehow save themselves? This is a cute but very uneven movie. Some of the humor is a bit obvious and the ending (with the BAD use of a rear projection of race cars) is terrible. Still, there are enough laughs to make it all worth seeing. Oh, and like most of the Gainsborough Films, this one is in the public domain and can be downloaded from the link on IMDb. Also, I wonder if perhaps this film was some of the inspiration for the recent film "Hot Fuzz"--as there are quite a few similarities--though "Fuzz" is clearly a superior movie. Also, although I have no idea if this was intended, but "Ask a Policeman" seems almost like a British Three Stooges film--with Hay clearly in the role of Moe--but without all the slapping and poking.
By the way, for the non-Brits who need more information, the "Domesday Book" that they mention in passing is a survey done for William the Conqueror. While it's dull reading today (and practically unreadable due to the archaic language), it is super-important for historians. Also, Guy Fawkes Day is a celebration of the apprehension and execution of Guy Fawkes and his co-conspirators. They had planned on blowing up Parliament! This is today commemorated with fireworks, bonfires and is a great excuse to get drunk and have a good time.
Because this disastrous interview brings the incompetence of the force to everyone's attention, their boss, the Chief Constable, back in London, decides to investigate. When the boys learn of this, they feel that if they made a few arrests he'd let them keep their jobs. This is the best part of the film and watching these idiots trying to arrest innocent people is funny. I won't say more--it would spoil the fun. However, suffice to say the Chief Constable is NOT impressed.
After thoroughly irritating their boss, the trio soon learn of a gang of smugglers. Perhaps if they can catch them they can STILL keep their jobs--and perhaps even be heroes. But, naturally, they muck it up and the coppers think THEY are the crooks. Can the bumblers somehow save themselves? This is a cute but very uneven movie. Some of the humor is a bit obvious and the ending (with the BAD use of a rear projection of race cars) is terrible. Still, there are enough laughs to make it all worth seeing. Oh, and like most of the Gainsborough Films, this one is in the public domain and can be downloaded from the link on IMDb. Also, I wonder if perhaps this film was some of the inspiration for the recent film "Hot Fuzz"--as there are quite a few similarities--though "Fuzz" is clearly a superior movie. Also, although I have no idea if this was intended, but "Ask a Policeman" seems almost like a British Three Stooges film--with Hay clearly in the role of Moe--but without all the slapping and poking.
By the way, for the non-Brits who need more information, the "Domesday Book" that they mention in passing is a survey done for William the Conqueror. While it's dull reading today (and practically unreadable due to the archaic language), it is super-important for historians. Also, Guy Fawkes Day is a celebration of the apprehension and execution of Guy Fawkes and his co-conspirators. They had planned on blowing up Parliament! This is today commemorated with fireworks, bonfires and is a great excuse to get drunk and have a good time.