Reluctant Heroes

The cinema seemed to be full of them - young men who had been through national service. And how they recognised the archetypal characters portrayed on the screen. Time & time again dialogue was missed as the audience broke into uproarious laughter. The scene, in particular, where the 3 "squaddies" complete the necessary formalities on the day of enlistment is a comic gem. .I would like to say, "not to be missed" - but since I have never seen the film down to be on any T.V. channel, the chances of any of us catching it are not good.

This excellent film accurately reflects life as a National Servicesman in the 50's and 60's. I know because I was one! Perhaps what is not so well known is the the film started life as one of run of Whitehall Theatre farces in London in which Brix Rix (now Lord Rix) and his wife Elspeth Grey starred. Wally Patch played the indomitable Sgt Bell on the stage and Brian Roix re-created the part of Gregory he had performed on stage. This particular farce is my favourite of the genre - but I wonder - has it been released on video? I would love to know as I have looked on the web to no avail. Having seen it on TV I would think that it must exist somewhere.

Can it really be that no one has managed it unearth a copy of this little gem?

View it from the standpoint of one called up for National Service - and it hits the spot... the ludicrous military situations, the overblown character personnel - all the memories of two years in the Forces come flooding back with a poignant immediacy.