Press for Time

Norman Wisdom comedies aren't to everyone's taste. Sometimes his slapstick can be childish and he can overdo the pathos of his 'little man' routine. Nevertheless this - the last major film Wisdom made in his traditional manner - is one of his best.

The comedy is well-paced and Wisdom's character is rather more mature than usual, capable of using some initiative rather than simply being a clumsy fool. The photography of the attractive seaside locations is excellent. Perhaps another reason I find this film particularly likeable is that it reminds me of the seaside town I grew up in at about the same time, the petty-politics and small-town journalism especially.

This is a pleasing comedy from a simpler, gentler age.

To clarify matters a bit. It is only these comments entries on IMDb that have to be a minimum of ten lines. If you add some info on the other topics, such as goofs, it is handled in a different way.

This is my favourite Norman Wisdom film, simply because of the location shoots. And I really like the music too ! Well, I am getting a bit old now. Watched a TV programme last night about the man himself and sadly he is showing the signs of his great age. But he has the most wonderful family and is now happy being looked after in a carehome on his beloved Isle of Man.

Now I got to waffle a bit to make up the entry to enough lines.

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Norman Wisdom plays three roles in "Press for Time," although two are very brief. He sells newspapers and is the grandson of the prime minister of England. His mom and granddad (in his other roles) want Norman Shields to do better. So, granddad leans on a political crony to get him a job on a newspaper the crony owns. It's located in Tinmouth (actual Teignmouth), along the English Coast.

Others have noted that in this late film in Wisdom's career, his character seems to have lost its innocence. He still has crazy antics, but they are missing the playfulness and humor of his earlier escapades. His humor with the mix of local politics doesn't come off as funny. But, there still are some laughs in this film. Stanley Unwin as the town clerk, Mr. Nottage, is very funny in his garbled talk.

This is one of the lesser Wisdom comedy films. Die-hard fans will enjoy it. Those not familiar with Wisdom would better watch another film to appreciate Wisdom's humor and energetic talent for comedy. "On the Beat," "A Stitch in Time," or "The Bulldog Breed," are all first-rate comedies.

'Press For Time' is easily my favorite Norman Wisdom film; it has everything, plenty of humour, slapstick, a great cast, and a really catchy soundtrack.

Norman Wisdom plays three roles in this film, he plays the hero Norman Shields, his ex-suffragette mother, and his ancient grandfather (who also happens to be the Prime Minister of Great Britain!!!). It is a shame that the latter two only appear briefly during the first few minutes of the film.

Shields is a happy newspaper vendor in London, but a constant source of embarassment to his grandfather who, by pulling strings, gets him relocated to the West Country as a junior reporter. Once there Shields leaves a trail of havoc behind him in typical Norman Wisdom style.

As in most Wisdom films, the plot is superficial, and serves only as a vehicle for madcap humour. This film is certainly no exception. Memorable scenes include the council meeting, the house opening ceremony, the bus chase, and the beauty pageant. All are Wisdom at his very best!!

The best analogy for American audiences for a Norman Wisdom film is Jerry Lewis. Like Mr. Lewis, Mr. Wisdom, at least in the films I've seen, have him playing bumbling, fish out of water, slightly dim characters. This film is no exception, as he plays Norman Shields, the grandson of the Prime Minister (also played by Wisdom), who gets sent to provincial seaside town Tinmouth in England to become a reporter. Things happen, mostly slapstick type mishaps, all because of him. There is political commentary here which is lost on me, bit it hardly matters. Its a silly comedy, but its a Norman wisdom comedy, so its hard to take seriously. For the uninitiated, try "Just My Luck" or "Trouble In Store" first. For those who know of Norman, add a notch to my vote and enjoy.