Up in the World (1956) Directed by John Paddy Carstairs
Comedy
Film Review
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.
The above content is owned by filmsdefrance.com and must not be copied.
Film Synopsis
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...
Cast:Norman Wisdom (Norman),
Maureen Swanson (Jeannie Andrews),
Jerry Desmonde (Maj. Willoughby),
Michael Caridia (Sir Reginald),
Colin Gordon (Fletcher Hethrington),
Ambrosine Phillpotts (Lady Banderville),
Michael Ward (Maurice),
Jill Dixon (Sylvia),
Edwin Styles (Conjuror),
Hy Hazell (Yvonne),
William Lucas (Mick Bellman),
Lionel Jeffries (Wilson),
Cyril Chamberlain (Harper),
Michael Brennan (Prison Warder),
Eddie Leslie (Max),
Edward Lexy (Detective Superintendant),
Bernard Bresslaw (Williams),
Michael Golden (Nightclub Doorman),
Fred Griffiths (Steve),
Ian Hendry (Commando sergeant)
Country: UK
Language: English
Support: Black and White
Runtime: 87 min
The best of American film noir
In the 1940s, the shadowy, skewed visual style of 1920s German expressionism was taken up by directors of American thrillers and psychological dramas, creating that distinctive film noir look.