Up in the World (1956) - film review

A gang of crooks are planning to abduct Lady Banderville’s son and heir, Sir Reginald.  The scheme involves one of them taking a job as window cleaner at the Bandervilles’ vast country estate.  Unfortunately, an ordinary young man, Norman, beats them to the post and they have to re-think their plan.   Sir Reginald, a young boy with an over-developed sense of fun, makes Norman’s life a misery at first, but they soon become friends.  The boy persuades Norman to take him to town to see a conjuring act, just as his would-be abductors arrive to enact their terrible scheme...

Typical Norman Wisdom fare, Up in the World offers the usual tepid mix of slapstick, sentimentality and anodyne plot, which you either love or hate depending on whether you believe Wisdom was a talented comedian or a nobody who just happened to get lucky.  The film’s naivety and comicbook characterisation make it far more suitable for children than adults, although those who were brought up on the escapades of chirpy Norman will doubtless love the film for its nostalgia value.

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