On the Beat

"On the Beat" was among Norman Wisdom's later films and remains one of his best. In this outing, the ever-aspiring Norman Pitkin wants to be a policeman like his late father, but he is rejected for being too short. Undaunted, Norman goes for the police physical exam on a pair of stilts in one of the film's many hilarious skits. Still dreaming of a police career, Norman dons his dad's uniform and plays ball with a group of kids. During the game, he blows the police whistle, and mayhem not seen since the heydays of Mack Sennett and the Keystone Cops erupts throughout the town. The physical nature of Wisdom's comedy and the emphasis on visuals explain his broad appeal among non-English-speaking audiences, much like silent comedy attracted immigrant audiences in the United States.

As a bonus, "On the Beat" offers not one, but two Normans. Besides his on-screen persona, Pitkin, Wisdom also plays Giulio, an Italian gangster who poses as a hairdresser and uses his beauty salon as a front. Although the swishy mustached stereotype is dated and arguably offensive, Norman is too endearing and funny to be guilty of anything but going for a laugh. When Wisdom plays Norman the policeman impersonating Giulio the hairdresser the results are hysterical. Although Norman is nearly impossible to upstage, the pixie-like Esma Cannon as Norman's landlady, Mrs. Timms, manages to steal her scenes with delightful facial expressions and impish delivery. "On the Beat" is on the beat and strikes no false notes, providing a string of comic scenes that pay homage to silent comedy and generate tears of laughter.

Although Norman is often disparaged in the land of his birth there can be no doubt that this is a very funny and original film. If you have not seen this film I would like to advise you that it contains one of the funniest scenes on celluloid: Norman has always been turned down for the Police because of his height; he is much too short. Following an epiphanic moment in the street he goes along to his next medical - in stilts! Gags abound in the doctor's room ending with a quite hilarious punchline from the doctor. These old b&w films can be picked up fairly cheaply on video now. If you see this one get it - that scene alone is worth the money.

Movie fans who enjoy Jerry Lewis, Red Skelton and Abbott and Costello movies should like Norman Wisdom. This British comedy star of the mid- 20th century had a little bit of those comedians in his style. Yet, he had a character all his own.

"On the Beat" is a later film of his in which Wisdom plays Norman Pitkin, a wannabe Bobby. His father had been a policeman, but Norman can't get on the force because he's not tall enough to qualify. So, he has been working for Scotland Yard washing cars. He daydreams of being a crime- buster. Eventually, the right opportunity comes along and Norman impersonates an Italian underworld figure. He plays both roles and is very funny as Giulio Napolitani.

Pandemonium and hilarity break out from there on. I think this is one of his funniest films. It has one of the longest and funniest chases on foot ever filmed. "On the Beat" is sure to please anyone who enjoys just plain humor and crazy antics.

Because I'm laughing behind and the reason is this little fella, known as Mr Pitkin...

Another hit by the maestro of comedy. I did not like it much when I saw it for the first time mostly due to the fact that I did not understand quite a lot, but later, as I watched it in my native language, I got amazed by Mr Norman Wisdom's genius again.

It's damn funny with tons of funny episodes Check out the one with those two nosey neighbours behind the door (the old lady jerks her head and hits the chin of the man - it sounds simply outstanding and looks totally stupid).

Great timing and performance... yes, 10 out of 10. No question.

Norman Wisdom's trademark comedy skill is showcased well in this 1962 film and reminds us how simple and effective comedy can be.

Although the film is not the strongest that Wisdom produced during his long career there are still lots of moments to enjoy including lots of the physical comedy that Wisdom so enjoyed.

No Mr Grimsdale or Jerry Desmonde cameo on this occasion but still lots of laughs as Pitkin stumbles and bumbles through numerous comedy mishaps.

Wisdom's films are timeless and effortlessly funny so are well worth watching regardless of whether you are a fan or just someone discovering Wisdom's work after his death.