Sailor Beware

The title 'Sailor Beware!' suggest a service comedy, but it's really a domestic farce with a preponderance of females dominated by Peggy Mount (whose view of men is that "you can't reason with a man you've gotta train them"), while Gordon Jackson is actually seen sharing a bed with Ronald Lewis, with sweet little Esma Cannon described by Jackson as "the bride of the harem"; while only in the movies could Mount have such a fox for a niece as Joy Webster.

The transfer to the screen is pretty rudimentary so it comes as quite a shock to see that the lighting has been entrusted to Douglas Slocombe and that it was produced by Jack Clayton.

A much-loved British classic, from the stage play and bringing across its great and talented mouthy star, Peggy Mount, as the loud-voiced matriarch Emma, terrorising her ferret-loving husband Henry (a brilliant performance from Cyril Smith), her sister-in-law Edie (the wonderful Esma Cannon), and the about to be wed daughter and sailor son-in-law (portrayed well by Bond golden girl Shirley Eaton and Ronald Lewis). Colour is added by haughty niece Daphne (Joy Webster), a Scots sailor pal (the reliable Gordon Jackson), and of course, the nosy neighbour, played to perfection by Thora Hird. Sailor Beware! is much of its time, with Mount at full volume throughout, but is very funny and if not a great film, a good diversion.

With post-war demobilisation, young men coming home after a good many years, in some cases maybe a decade, in the armed forces, wanted to marry and settle down. However, after spending their formative adult years in a very different environment, they had outgrown the small suburban world of their parents. Beginning married life living with, or near, your in-laws was undesirable, but often unavoidable. Many marriages foundered at this point, others escaped through emigration. The situation in this film, although exaggerated, would have been familiar to the audience, who could go away and write their own sequels, as there is no solid resolution offered. The figure of the "Mother-in-law from Hell" is on the surface comic, but is actually tragic, we are shown ways out for everyone else, but she is trapped. The film is well made, and well acted. It is not The Magnificent Ambersons, nor was it meant to be, it has no pretensions to Art, makes no profound statements, but effectively illustrates one aspect of the human condition. Those involved in the making of this film would doubtless be surprised that it is still being watched, and appreciated, almost sixty years on. Anyone who recalls the era, or is interested in it, will not be disappointed.

An absolute classic of its time. Peggy Mount is wonderful to observe as she plays the mother in law from hell (you can keep 'Meet The Parents'. Esma Cannon, the classic comedy regular, is a joy as the brow beaten sister in law, as is Cyril Smith as the henpecked husband who tries to find solace with his ferrets on the back yard, he does goes off the rails occasionally, raising Peggy Mounts temper. Also, keep an eye open for Thora Hird playing the archetypal interfering nosey neighbour. If you enjoy and appreciate British classic comedy films then you shouldn't miss this one, anyone who says otherwise is really missing the point and doesn't understand British comedy at all.

I don't usually give movies beyond the 1980's any time of day, but today I finished work early and just happened to catch this movie on channel 4.

The storyline isn't very deep, but I found the movie hilarious, which surprised me. I really enjoyed the performances of all the characters, especially the loud mouthed Emma (Peggy Mount).

It's a light weight comedy, not to be taken seriously, its just fun and perfect for an afternoons viewing. I actually now want to check out similar movies with Peggy and some of the other cast. Sad to learn most of the cast had passed away but real talent never really dies.

I recommend this to anyone with an open mind, and doesn't want a movie with too much going on, you'll be in stitches! Simple humour, classic!