Duncan Wood Movies
British director and producer Duncan Wood worked in feature films, but is best-known for helming many episodes of the popular comedies Hancock's Half Hour and Steptoe and Son (the series that inspired the American hit series Sanford and Son during the 1970s). Wood's filmwork includes The Bargee (1964), the story of a carefree barge captain who gets into hot water after accidentally impregnating a lock keeper's daughter. ~ Sandra Brennan, All Movie Guide- 1970
In this farce, four people go to extremes to inherit the giant fortune of a wealthy practical joker. ~ Sandra Brennan, All Movie Guide
- 1968
Originating in the first half of the 20th century, the satirical "Beachcomber" column was a regular feature of the British periodical The Daily Express. Though initially written by D.B. Wyndham-Lewis, the column became most closely associated with J.P. Morton, whose surreal, stream-of-consciousness sense of humor influenced several generations of British comedians, among them the great Spike Milligan. It was, in fact, Milligan who brought Morton's zany musings to the TV screen in a weekly, half-hour comedy anthology, World of Beachcomber. In addition to Milligan, the series boasted such stellar guest performers as Michael Redgrave, Fred Emney, and Hattie Jacques, while among the writers was Barry Took, one of the prime movers of Monty Python's Flying Circus. Nineteen episodes of World of Beachcomber were telecast beginning January 22, 1968, and ending October 27, 1969. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Spike Milligan, Frank Thornton, (more)
- 1965
Freddie and the Dreamers--remember them?--star in the British musical quickie Cuckoo Patrol. Apparently hoping to cash in on the Beatles' success with A Hard Day's Night, the producers place Freddie and his aggregation in as many "wacky," stream-of-consciousness situations as possible. The main plot has something to do with a group of Boy Scouts. Freddie and the Dreamers disguise themselves in scout uniforms, inexplicably getting away with their subterfuge. Veteran British farceurs Kenneth Connor, Victor Maddern and John Le Mesurier provide acting relief. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1964
This British comedy comes from Ray Galton and Alan Simpson, writers of the hit television program Steptoe and Son. Harry H. Corbett (who played Steptoe, Jr. on the tube) is Hemel, a canal-cruising bargee who is dead-set against marriage. He goes about his freewheeling ways until he finds out that he has impregnated one of his playthings (Julia Foster). Unfortunately for him, the young woman's father (Hugh Griffith) is the lock-keeper and he is not about to get out of this predicament without a vow or two. ~ Kristie Hassen, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Harry H. Corbett, Hugh Griffith, (more)
During the 1960s, comic actors Peter Cook, Dudley Moore, Alan Bennett, and Jonathan Miller created the stage show Beyond the Fringe. Decades after the end of the show's successful run, a filmed record of the production was discovered. Originally recorded for television broadcast, this particular edition of the show offers footage that was not aired during the premiere broadcast. Included are the classic skits "Man Bites God," "One Leg Too Few," and "Aftermyth of War." ~ Perry Seibert, All Movie Guide
