As a new type of V-1 type doodle-bug starts to fall on southern England during WW2, Brian Rix plays a secret agent and his incompetent double to good effect here, under orders from 'Bukpasser' and 'Spendal' of the Air Ministry.
There is a very good supporting cast, and some other good performances, especially from Cecil Parker. It is the first screen role for Andrew Sachs, too.
The idea that an important military man should be impersonated (and appear to be in the wrong country) for the benefit of the Germans is based on fact; General Montgomery was impersonated in exactly this way during WW2, more or less as depicted in the film 'I was Monty's double'.
Yes in this film the humour is mostly broad, but in the context of British comedy films made at this time, I think it is a pretty good effort. I started watching this film with low expectations and found myself chuckling quite unexpectedly; there are many deftly-performed sight gags that you might miss if you are not paying attention.
There is a very good supporting cast, and some other good performances, especially from Cecil Parker. It is the first screen role for Andrew Sachs, too.
The idea that an important military man should be impersonated (and appear to be in the wrong country) for the benefit of the Germans is based on fact; General Montgomery was impersonated in exactly this way during WW2, more or less as depicted in the film 'I was Monty's double'.
Yes in this film the humour is mostly broad, but in the context of British comedy films made at this time, I think it is a pretty good effort. I started watching this film with low expectations and found myself chuckling quite unexpectedly; there are many deftly-performed sight gags that you might miss if you are not paying attention.