No Kidding

Before they concentrated on the Carry On franchise, producer Peter Rogers, director Gerald Thomas, write Norman Hudis, composer Bruce Montgomery et al made a series of comedies such as "No Kidding". David (Leslie Phillips) and Catherine (Geraldine McEwan) Robinson inherit Chartham Place, a large country home, and convert it into a holiday home for rich children. The children come from a cross section of families but, in general, all suffer neglect from their bust parents. They include an arrogant American brother and sister, the son of a social climbing scrap merchant, two sons of a Middle East King, two daughters of African politicans, the daughter of a Duke, a boy with a seriously ill mother and a sexy teenager with a vivid imagination (Julia Lockwood). As with comedies of this genre there is minimal plot. Christine encourages the children's "freedom", obviously until freedom goes too far. A matron (June Jago) feuds with the drunken cook (Joan Hickson, enjoying herself immensely) who, in turn, is abetted by the caretaker (Noel Purcell). An officious alderwoman (Irene Handl) has an eye on the property for a community center. Given these acting professionals the acting is good across the board. Geraldine McEwan shows the greatest range and its a pity that she isn't better known in North America. Overall this comedy can be recommended, it may not have belly laughs but will bring many smiles.

David and Catherine Robinson inherit an estate and decide to run a summer camp for the children of wealthy parents who are looking for a nice place to dump their children for the summer. The children are a rambunctious lot, especially the American boy. You can tell he's American from the little tough guy American slang he uses, an affectation that quite rightly annoys David. The film and it's characters are engaging throughout although stereotypical. All of the actors were very good indeed but hands down the most memorable and funniest performance is that by Joan Hickson, who was a riot as the drunken cook. It was also interesting to see two Miss Marple's - Hickson and McEwan - in the same movie. Hickson was also in another movie, 'An Alligator Named Daisy,' that featured another Miss Marple, the eccentric Margaret Rutherford. An amusing and pleasant movie that's worth a watch.

It is a real shame, but this is a poor film. The potential is there with a good, strong cast, but the story is weak, there are far too many predictable moments and occasions when there is a try at humour which fails miserably. I am surprised that it has been rated as a Comedy. What this film has got going for it, and the only reason I didn't score it 1 out of 10, are the performances from most of the actors, particularly Joan Hickson and Irene Handl (playing a straight role for a change). It is worth watching to see the usual British character actors (Cyril Chamberlain, Sydney Tafler etc) and the wonderful Leslie Phillips and gorgeous Geraldine McEwen who, of course, shares the film with another "Miss Marple"! However, I doubt I will ever sit through it again.

You'd have thought that with such a good team behind it and a great cast on set this old British comedy could not fail. Sadly it does in just about every way. Such a waste of so much comedy acting talent yet with an idea which was so promising. Unfortunately, virtually nothing works here and you are left with the impression the whole is like a car breakers' yard with so many bits which can be better used elsewhere. I usually love watching Leslie Phillips, Julia Lockwood, Irene Handl et al but with such a poor script they had no chance. A miss I'm afraid.

It comes as quite a shock to see a lynx-eyed young Geraldine McEwan scampering about this twee little piece of whimsy made in the summer of 1960 by 'Carry On' producers Peter Rogers & Gerald Thomas.

As usual it has an amazing cast ranging from a teenaged Francesca Annis to Earl Cameron (now 102 years old)! But the real star is probably Birchens Spring, near Beaconsfield, where the exteriors were shot (the interiors were filmed at Pinewood).

Designed in the thirties by John Campbell for a South African diamond merchant named Rissik, and set in about twelve acres on a rise alongside the road to Amersham, it was shortly afterwards bought for £12,000 by Dirk Bogarde who renamed it Raiding Hall before later selling it to - Peter Rogers!