What's Good for the Goose

If you can get over the shock of seeing Norman Wisdom playing someone other than Pitkin without the ill fitting suit and cap, then it's not as bad as you'd expect. The speeded up title sequence was a nice idea but unfortunately it goes on far too long and outstays it's welcome. Confusingly there's a credit attributing the singing of the theme to Norman himself, but that version is at the end of the film.

Simply, Norman plays a somewhat timid banker who has a fairly hum drum life, married with children. He ends up having to go to the executive conference held at a seaside resort. On the way he picks up two teenage girl hitchhikers who end up opening his eyes to the fun filled world of the late 1960's. There's visual appeal in the shape of Sally Geeson (sister of Judy) who once said the most embarrassing thing she ever did was the nude scene on the beach in this film.

For the genre, a lightweight swinging sixties comedy it's enjoyable. Features "The Pretty Things" in a psychedelic club scene. Groovy Man!

Sod yer Jodorowsky's or David Lynch's – is this not the strangest movie ever made? Actually, the Jerry Lewis comedy Slapstick of Another Kind probably takes that honour – but this comes close.

From purveyor of violent kitsch Menahem Golan, this sees mild-mannered banker Timothy Bartlett (Wisdom, in his final film) getting turned on by the flower power generation, including a scrumptious Sally Geeson, down at the 'Screaming Apple' Discotheque and having it off with them to a grooveadelic soundtrack by The Pretty Things.

Unlike the reactionary Carry Ons there's not a euphemism in sight: here it's all, "Do you want to have sex?", though at the same time this utterly encapsulates the British reality of sex in a Rita and Sue kinda way: however day-glo the trousers, or far-out the argot, the end result still spells a good-old bunk-up with giggling and Y-fronts in a Southport hotel room.

Fascinating in all sorts of ways; and ultimately, surprisingly smart and touching, too.

I remember when I first saw this movie, back in 1969, I didn't like it because I was "old school" Norman Wisdom. I still am, I prefer his silly lovable fool character in his older movies. However having seen this all over again, first time in 35 years, it was pretty entertaining, not overly funny but enough to pass 100 minutes or so. Norman plays it almost straight, there are a few touches of his silliness, but not overly slapstick. Sally Geeson, I was in love with her then, and she still has spark. Pity she retired from acting after Carry On Girls (1972), to become a school teacher, lucky kids! It does manage to give a great feel for the sixties, very psychedelic, and great music by the Pretty Things, Norman even sings the title song himself. Sally looks great in the "skinny dipping" scene, but I could've done with seeing one of my fav comedians (Wisdom)naked! Anyway, worth a few laughs, especially Norman's battle of wits with Desk Clerk, David Lodge.

I remember this film being made as a little boy, so it always holds a place in my affection. I remember being surprised they took two days to film a scene that only lasted seconds in the final edit. i met Norman Wisdom and Sally Geeson on set and I still remember offering him a sweet and then signing his autograph.

All the family attended the premiere and I enjoyed it including the memorable theme tune. I don't suppose it will hold any interest to anybody anymore apart from the odd Norman Wisdom devotee in Albani (where I believe he was big!) and I can't say I've seen it in thirty years. From what I've read it wasn't regarded as a particularly good film by the critics. But, I would like to see it one more time if only to bring back the memories of that little boy I was in 1969.

Ok not the best film made by Norman Wisdom, but it's one of those movies that you watch late Sunday evening before returning to work!

Just a plain and simple film that sums up the entire 60's era, the clothes, the music, and the dialog!! Norman plays the hum drum banker (yes I spelt that correctly!) who plays away from home while on a business trip with noneother than Sally Geeson, a young trendy! The comedy is weak, the script poor, but this film is harmless fun, nostalgic, and a low budget British film with good locations. At least give it a chance, available as video, hunt it on ebay!