WHAT A CRAZY WORLD is a British musical comedy from 1963. Filmed in black and white it mixes together a bit of everything that was popular during the early 1960s, from kitchen sink social drama to musical numbers, dance scenes, and street gang culture. Watched today it feels very dated but also somehow completely endearing, providing a neat snapshot of what life was like a very long time ago.
I found it all irresistibly fun. The film was written and directed by Hammer man Michael Carreras, who can't resist a scene involving the main characters watching THE CURSE OF FRANKENSTEIN at the cinema, as well as casting Hammer favourite Michael Ripper in numerous supporting roles. I've never seen Ripper get so much screen time but he's a real delight here with his droll humour.
Main star Joe Brown is a better singer than he is an actor, but there are interesting players in support so it doesn't matter so much. For instance, Harry H. Corbett is a delight as his gruff, bad-tempered father. The depiction of working class life is as accurate as any kitchen sink drama from the period. The musical bits are great fun, particularly the highlight where the hilarious Freddie and the Dreamers turn up for a nightclub act. It's all very lively and effective, and I found absolutely nothing to dislike.
I found it all irresistibly fun. The film was written and directed by Hammer man Michael Carreras, who can't resist a scene involving the main characters watching THE CURSE OF FRANKENSTEIN at the cinema, as well as casting Hammer favourite Michael Ripper in numerous supporting roles. I've never seen Ripper get so much screen time but he's a real delight here with his droll humour.
Main star Joe Brown is a better singer than he is an actor, but there are interesting players in support so it doesn't matter so much. For instance, Harry H. Corbett is a delight as his gruff, bad-tempered father. The depiction of working class life is as accurate as any kitchen sink drama from the period. The musical bits are great fun, particularly the highlight where the hilarious Freddie and the Dreamers turn up for a nightclub act. It's all very lively and effective, and I found absolutely nothing to dislike.