Harry Secombe Movies

A collection of English humor in the form of sketch film are provided on this film which was assisted by comedians Feldman and Chapman. ~ Rovi

This feature is basically a silent comedy as the only word spoken is "rhubarb." A Vicar (Harry Secombe) plays golf with the local police inspector (Eric Sykes), with the lawman cheating mercilessly with the help of his constable (Jimmy Edwards). Soon the Vicar calls on help from the Almighty to conjure up a lighting bolt to help his game. Sight gags and pantomime dominate this engaging 37 minute feature. ~ Dan Pavlides, Rovi

This colorful documentary tours the scenic country of Wales. David Frost interviews Prince Charles about the area, and native actor Donald Houston narrates. Singer Harry Secombe sings a Welsh folk tune and Tom Jones sings "The Green, Green Grass Of Home." The feature was made when the Prince was officially crowned Prince of Wales. ~ Dan Pavlides, Rovi

Inspired by Charles Dickens' novel Oliver Twist, Lionel Bart's 1961 London and Broadway musical hit glossed over some of Dickens' more graphic passages but managed to retain a strong subtext to what was essentially light entertainment. For its first half-hour or so, Carol Reed's Oscar-winning 1968 film version does a masterful job of telling its story almost exclusively through song and dance. Once nine-year-old orphan Oliver Twist (Mark Lester) falls in with such underworld types as pickpocket Fagin (Ron Moody) and murderous thief Bill Sykes (Oliver Reed), it becomes necessary to inject more and more dialogue, and the film loses some of its momentum. But not to worry; despite such brutal moments as Sikes' murder of Nancy (Shani Wallis), the film gets back on the right musical track, thanks in great part to Onna White's exuberant choreography and the faultless performances by Moody and by Jack Wild as the Artful Dodger. The supporting cast includes Harry Secombe as the self-righteous Mr. Bumble and Joseph O'Conor as Mr. Brownlow, the man who (through a series of typically Dickensian coincidences) rescues Oliver from the streets. Oliver! won six Oscars, including Best Picture, Best Director, and a special award to choreographer Onna White. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

Corpulent "Goon Show" regular Harry Secombe plays the title role in the British comedy Davy. Set in the rarefied world of the British music halls, the film focuses in on the Mad Morgans, a family song-and-dance act. It is clear that Davy Morgan is the star of the act, but he loyally remains with his family, even though he seems destined to spend the rest of his life in the Small Time. At long last, Davy gets a chance to perform at the Covent Garden--but only as a solo. Will ambition win out over family solidarity, or vice versa? A stellar supporting cast enables Davy to overcome its occasional banalities and cliches. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

Forces' Sweetheart is a British service comedy, perhaps best appreciated by its homegrown audience. Musical comedy favorite Hy Hazell plays Judy James, a performer with ENTA, the British equivalent of the USO. Three goofy soldiers, played by Harry Secombe, Michael Bentine and Freddie Frinton, vie for the affections of the lovely Judy. The threadbare production numbers feature such specialty acts as The Leslie Roberts Television Girls. Forces' Sweetheart didn't get much play in the US, save for a showing or two on the Late Late Show. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

In this British comedy, a group of World War II spies attempt to capture a secret atomic formula and it is up to military-man Harry Jones (Harry Secombe) and Carole Gayley (Carole Carr) to stop them. ~ Iotis Erlewine, Rovi

The British Fake's Progess is one of a handful of attempts during the talkie era to revive the good old days of silent pictures. Nary a word is spoken by stars Lou Cass and Harry Nova, cast respectively as a meek clerk and a brash con man. As our heroes embark on one get-rich-quick scheme after another, their every move is interpreted and commented upon by the off-screen voices of Harry Secombe and Humphrey Lestocq. Produced independently, Fake's Progress did not serve as the vanguard of a series of non-talking talkies. Though the stars and situations are fitfully amusing, the protracted silent stretches make the film seem far longer than its 52 minutes. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi