The Intelligence Men

I could never understand the slating that this film has always received. Admittedly it's not The Pink Panther but it was never meant to be. It's very clear to see that it was made on buttons but the writing and performances are terrific.

There are quite a few comedy moments in The Intelligence Men that even by today's standards are stunningly funny and yet at the same time are just so wonderfully innocent in their delivery. The 'where did that music come from then' moment is streets ahead of it's time as is the hilarious resolution to the sinister man who follows them around throughout the film, it's worth watching for that bit alone.

When a coffee shop owner is mistaken for a MI5 spy, the real MI5 enlist his help in uncovering an assassination plot in London. With master of disguise Ernie Sage by his side, Eric Morecambe battles dangers and beautiful women to save the day - whether he knows it or not.

This was Morecambe and Wise's first attempt to take their huge success on TV into film. And it unfortunately doesn't totally carry over. The plot is irrelevant but it doesn't really matter - in fact the film slows down in some scenes where the 'serious' actors have to do dialogue that moves the plot along. Outside of these scenes it's really all about Eric and Ernie doing their usual stand-up routine in different situations.

The film is funny, simply because of Morecambe's act and Wise's straight man, basically each scene is the same as the TV show in that each scene has a basic structure that allows the duo to do their stuff within it. The film contains many very funny scenes that are like this but too many fail because the laughter and improvisation of the TV show has been replaced by tightly scripted scenes and multiple shoots and takes. This takes a lot of the life out of their routine and some bits, most notably the musical numbers fall flat. Having said that, I don't think Eric Morecambe can help but be funny and most of the film is really funny, mainly jokes that are repeated during the film - "get out of that" and the running joke of Eric not recognising Ernie in 'disguise' being some of the best.

Overall this is a funny film simply because of Ernie and Eric. However if you've never seen their TV show then you're missing out on the funniest stuff they've ever done, cause, sadly, this film never comes close to their best.

As a fan of the classic British comedy, this film has stayed with me since my childhood. It was only through accessing the IMDb that I was able to actually find the name of the film. Eric Morecambe shines brighter than ever in The Intelligence Men with clever deflections off straight characters and using the pretence of knowledge of "spy things" to create classic comedy moments. I.e. being taught spycraft and the side-aching Judo sketch will have you rolling in the aisles. Although what aisles you would having running past your TV are your own business. Not necessary "not to be missed", but certainly not a disappointment as with so many contemporary "blockbusters".

Get hold of this film somehow and let a classic British double act entertain a you. Learn Judo the Morecambe way and "Get out of that!".

Often lampooned as a poor relation to the famous duo's T.V series, this and the two other films they made(That Riviera Touch/The Magnificent Two)are great showcases for these two comic legends. DO NOT be put of by comments that often follow the films around that often accuse the two of selling out to Hollywood. This is as good a performance that you will ever see from Britain's favourite comedy duo.

Most spy films become parodies or satires. This film is a deliberate goof on the genre by two of the UK's greatest comedians. They never became known in the States unlike Benny Hill and that was a sad thing for America. The film is loaded with sexy beauties like Gloria Paul who was a contender for a role in Thunderball (she should have been a Bond Girl). The music goes for a jazzy spy feel and the film has good cinematography.