Plus on est de fous

Probably the best of Norman Wisdom's films. Some extremely funny and clever scenes are seen in this work. For example, Wisdom fools around in a railway carriage in front of some very 'English' stuffed shirts. Also,(in one of the funniest scenes I have seen in any film) he stands in front of an orchestra waving a candy floss stick. The orchestra plays accordingly! There are some sentimental scenes also, which some viewers may find hard to take (as in all Wisdom's films). But, on the whole, a very funny film guaranteed to cheer you up when you are feeling down.

As I had been expecting, the second Norman Wisdom vehicle was more of a sentimental comedy - since it finds him taking care of an orphanage (again, a favorite theme with star comedians) which is set to be torn down by ruthless developers - and, in fact, there is an excess of pathos present, especially in Norman's relationship with a lonely (and very uncharismatic) boy. However, on the upside, this turned out to be quite a plot-packed and gag-filled film, though it runs out of steam towards the end.

The level of invention is certainly average (though already a few gags and plot details are reprised from its immediate predecessor, TROUBLE IN STORE [1953]), notably the trip to Brighton culminating in a marathon walk, Norman's hilarious stint as an orchestral conductor (even if it's a situation that's been done to death, and the subsequent destruction of the stage was practically ripped off The Marx Bros.' A NIGHT AT THE OPERA [1935]) and the star's myriad attempts to raise money in order to buy the boy a motor-car he had promised him.

Interestingly, watching Wisdom at work here immediately after MORGAN - A SUITABLE CASE FOR TREATMENT (1966) irresistibly draws parallels with David Warner's own child-like behavior in that film (albeit dealt with, obviously, in a more adult manner).

Here in the film; One Good Turn, director; John Paddy Carstairs' focus appears to be on juxtaposing 1950s youth culture with Victorian philanthropic-style morality. In other words this film director looks at the up-and-coming democratic methods as illustrated by the children's anarchic actions pertaining to saving their home, which is an orphanage. This is pitted against pillar-of-the community-type figures who are not used to democracy where their authority and values are questioned by the new generation. This anarchic behaviour is further juxtaposed with Norman's innocent attitude to life.

The illustration of the insubordinate behaviour of young people is also illustrated well in films such as for example;The Blue Lamp (1950), albeit in a more serious and as such cynical way where the youths of the era are labelled as potentially dangerous. But this film along with One Good Turn are mere reflections of social change.

For my money J.P. Carstairs is the director who brings more to bare to Wisdom's acting and comic timing. As such One Good Turn is a far superior Wisdom outing than many of his later ones. For this reason it is an excellent choice for viewing.

One Good Turn is directed by John Paddy Carstairs and Carstairs co-writes the screenplay with Sid Colin, Maurice Cowan, Talbot Rothwell, Dorothy Whipple and Ted Willis. It stars Norman Wisdom, Joan Rice, Shirley Abicair, Thora Hird, William Russell, Joan Ingram and Richard Caldicot. Music is by John Addison and cinematography by Jack E. Cox.

Norman is the oldest orphan at Greenwood Children's Home and has slotted into the furniture as the unpaid caretaker. The happiness and tranquillity of The Orphanage is greatly disrupted when it comes to light that the Orphanage chairman wants to sell it and turn it into a factory. Can the staff, the kids and the biggest kid of them all - Norman - stop the scheming rotter?

A delight for Wisdom fans, this monochrome piece finds the jumping bean that is Wisdom on fine form. There's nothing new in the narrative threads, it's Norman causing chaos when he's trying to do good, and those around him are affected either physically or emotionally. So watch Norman with a wasp up his trousers, bringing the tears with onions, a child's motor car chase, a charity walk, taking control of an orchestra and more! The kids are great, as is the wonderful as usual Hird, and there's even a couple of musical numbers to ease the flow of the ebullience.

We know where we are heading, but really who cares? The fun is in getting there and finding Wisdom doing what he does best - lifting those blues. 7/10

Norman Wisdom may not be a household name in North America, but he certainly was one in Europe & Asia during the height of his career in the '50s & the '60s. "One Good Turn" is a funny, clean cut family comedy that you can watch with your kids without having to have the remote handy to press the forward button during the inappropriate sections which nowadays is all over so called family movies. Norman is charming, honest & utterly funny in his movies. A likable character that kids and adults alike can relate to. "One Good Turn" is a funny movie with many clever slapstick sequences (check out the orchestra conductor sequence for just one example) that have not lost their charms. Norman Wisdom movies have been hard to find here in North America but recently WHAM! USA label has put out a whole bunch of them out (sadly on VHS only so far). Get them while they're still around. You won't be disappointed!