Although this is undoubtedly one of Norman Wisdom's most entertaining movies, you are not likely to see it in the near future despite the current revival this comedian is enjoying thanks to the present airing of his films on public TV.
The reason is simple. Television stations buy movies in batches or blocks or packages or in this case libraries. Usually, they don't bother to track down or buy individual films, no matter how great the demand. Wisdom's movies are part of the Rank library. Except for this one - and maybe two or three others. That's a pity because as stated, There Was a Crooked Man is not only very funny but highly ingenious and original. The comedian virtually plays a character role - and plays it rather well.
Stuart Burge's direction is often quite stylish and there is one really stand-out sequence in which Wisdom & Co. attempt to rob a hospital.
Arthur Ibbetson's photography shows the variations in quality that shooting on actual locations can give. The supporting cast is very, very good. Producer John Bryan has not spared the expense and the film is most lavishly produced.
In short, highly diverting and amusing.
The reason is simple. Television stations buy movies in batches or blocks or packages or in this case libraries. Usually, they don't bother to track down or buy individual films, no matter how great the demand. Wisdom's movies are part of the Rank library. Except for this one - and maybe two or three others. That's a pity because as stated, There Was a Crooked Man is not only very funny but highly ingenious and original. The comedian virtually plays a character role - and plays it rather well.
Stuart Burge's direction is often quite stylish and there is one really stand-out sequence in which Wisdom & Co. attempt to rob a hospital.
Arthur Ibbetson's photography shows the variations in quality that shooting on actual locations can give. The supporting cast is very, very good. Producer John Bryan has not spared the expense and the film is most lavishly produced.
In short, highly diverting and amusing.