Wilfred Pickles Movies
- 1972
This theatrically-released feature represents a spinoff of the popular British television series of the same name, which screened on ITV to enthusiastic audience response from 1970 to 1971. The narrative concerns Walter Bingley (Wilfred Pickles) and Ada Bingley (Irene Handl), a middle-aged couple preparing to celebrate their first wedding anniversary, sans the knowledge that their loved ones are currently preparing a surprise party for them. The day starts to go awry when Arthur (Arthur English), one of Walter's colleagues, nearly ruins the surprise; the couple then lapse into a never ending series of catastrophes, including a quarrel over a blonde wig, Walter's discovery that he's lost the money for Ada's present, an accident that finds Walter being struck down by an automobile, and much more. ~ Nathan Southern, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Irene Handl, Wilfred Pickles, (more)
This gently farcical British comedy stars Hayley Mills and Hywel Bennett as Jenny and Arthur, a young couple who have just gotten married. However, while both of them are filled with anticipation for their honeymoon, a practical joke played by their "friends" causes their bed to collapse just as they're about to consummate their relationship. Through a variety of misfortunes, they end up spending the night at the home of Arthur's parents, where nervousness and a certain lack of privacy make it difficult for them to enjoy their first night together as they'd wish. While a bit of frank language and some fleeting nudity by former child star Hayley Mills generated a certain amount of controversy upon first release, by today's standards The Family Way is more easily seen as the compassionate relationship comedy its creators intended. The Family Way is also of note to Beatles fans as the first film scored by Paul McCartney. ~ Mark Deming, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Hayley Mills, Hywel Bennett, (more)
Billy Fisher (Tom Courtenay) is known to his blue-collar British mates as Billy Liar because of his vivid imagination. This film version of the Keith Waterhouse-Willis Hall stage play "visualizes" some of Billy's more outrageous fabrications. He periodically escapes the drudgery of his job at a funeral parlor by conjuring up impossible adventures, usually involving the conquest of women. In one of her first film roles, Julie Christie plays one of two "real" girls who wish that Billy would come down to earth and pop the question. Following this film adaptation, Billy Liar was transformed into a stage musical, and later resurfaced as a British TV series. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Tom Courtenay, Julie Christie, (more)
- 1959
A false accusation divides a town and destroys a clergyman's career in this adaptation of the Philip King stage play of the same name. Anthony Quayle stars as Reverend Howard Phillips, a new arrival in a small town that's become overrun with punk kids. Trying to make a difference and improve the town's fortunes, Phillips earns the respect and love of Hester Peters (Sarah Churchill), a spinster and the daughter of the previous vicar. Unfortunately, Phillips runs afoul of Larry Thompson (Andrew Ray), leader of the delinquents running roughshod over the town. A nasty piece of work, Thompson has murdered one person and doesn't hesitate to concoct a false story that Phillips made an unwelcome homosexual advance toward him that turned into an assault. Instead of rallying to his defense, the narrow-minded town elders simply backbite and gossip. Director Terence Young went on to direct three of the first four James Bond films, Dr. No (1962), From Russia with Love (1963), and Thunderball (1965). ~ Karl Williams, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Anthony Quayle, Sarah Churchill, (more)
A dog's best friend is not always his man, as is seen in this comedy set against the backdrop of professional dog racing. The story centers around a man and his supposedly beloved greyhound. The man spends most of his time caring for the speedy canine. But when the man hears of a dog that could actually beat his, he actually goes out and bets against his own. ~ Sandra Brennan, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Wilfred Pickles, Petula Clark, (more)
