San Ferry Ann (1965) User Reviews

En Route to Calais

[richardchatten · 6/10 · 13 May 2023]

Plainly influenced by the work of Jacques Tati and Pierre Etaix, this comedy without dialogue is the sort of nonsense that later became associated with Benny Hill.

Andreas Malandrinos evokes the era of quota quickies , Graham Stark plays a distant cousin of Inspector Clouseau as a gendarme, a cast of TV favourites includes Old Man Steptoe, 'Likely Lad' Rodney Bewes, Alf Garnett and Lynne Carol late of 'Coronation Street'.

For the teenagers there's Fred Emney, Babs Windsor models a pair of slacks that are anything but, while Aubrey Woods' face is a picture as he studies that day's intakes passport pictures.

Genteel comedy without dialogue

[Leofwine_draca · 5/10 · 26 May 2023]

SAN FERRY ANN is one of those slapstick British comedies of the 1960s that did away with dialogue in favour of sound and music. This one's a bit longer than more familiar material like THE PLANK, and as such it's a bit strained at the seams. The essential story sees three very different couples heading to the French Riviera for a seaside holiday, with various slapstick antics ensuing. The cast, from Wilfrid Brambell to Barbara Windsor, work hard with their familiar roles, but the quality of the laughs isn't quite what I was expecting or hoping for. Expect a genteel comedy of yesteryear and you'll be better served than I was.

What A Shame I can't get a copy - This really is a Laugh

[Mister-Bouffant · 20 July 2004]

I first saw this film MANY years ago ( I am now 42) As far as I can remember there was no real dialogue. Instead there were mumbles, sounds etc, but it was a film that would by the nature of its comic genius, be understood by ANY country. Anyone who liked "The Plank" or "Futtocks End" would laugh their bits off over this one.

It was a "slightly" slapstick film about a daytrip to the continent (France I believe). It contained stereotypes. The English Lobster, sits in the sun until he/she turns red. The French drinks brandy, drives his car eats onions. The German is efficient and official.

Which ever country you are from, you would probably not see the funny side of the jokes about you, but would roar with laughter at the way the others are portrayed.

This was politically incorrect, but then again, what wasn't in those days.

THIS IS A MUST SEE IF YOU GET A CHANCE ( I.E They play it on TV where you live )WATCH IT. Honest.

You'll Laugh Until You Cry!

[ShadeGrenade · 3 March 2007]

Picture the scene: a Frenchman is riding a bike across a bridge. A car overtakes, causing him to swerve violently. He plunges into the river. A moment later, we see onions bobbing to the surface.

That gag should give you an idea of the level of humour to be found in this film. During the '60's and '70's, a number of independent British studios churned out 'featurettes' - short films designed to be shown as supporting features in cinemas, of which 'San Ferry Ann' was one. Years later, they turned up on television either in afternoon or late night slots. Indeed, 'Ann' was a favourite repeat item in the early days of Channel 4. Its not been seen anywhere recently, which makes its recent D.V.D. release all the more welcome.

The premise is this; a group of British holidaymakers board a ferry to France, and predictably, chaos results. Some go camping, others book into a seedy hotel. Amongst the tourists are Barbara Windsor, Ronnie Stevens, David Lodge, Joan Sims, Rodney Bewes and Wilfrid Brambell. Cropping up in smaller roles are Ron Moody, Brian Murphy, Hugh Paddick, Fred Emney and Warren Mitchell.

If you liked the 'Two Ronnies' specials 'The Picnic' and 'By The Sea', you'll love this. Not a word of dialogue is spoken throughout. It perfectly captures the eccentric behaviour of the British abroad. As has been noted by others, the French are stereotypically depicted in berets, striped T-shirts and with a fondness for frog's legs and stinky cheese.

The script was by Bob Kellett, who would later direct the movie versions of 'Are You Being Served?' and 'Up Pompeii'. Take it from me, this is a thousand times funnier. In fact it seems far longer than its fifty-five minute running time.

Funniest moment - Wilfrid Brambell chasing a tent which has blown out to sea!