Thursday, February 09, 2023

Movie review - "The Punch and Judy Man" (1963) **

 Tony Hancock's first starring vehicle went well but then he sacked his writers and had his car accident and it all went a bit wonky. He cowrote this with an experienced writer (Phil Oakes) and has a solid support cast so it didn't go crazy, but this didn't tickle the public's fancy.

It's got a lazy seaside atmosphere which probably means more for people who experienced it - Punch and Judy shows, magicians.  

The plot has Hancock attend a swanky function to help his social climbing wife. It ends in chaos.

I didn't like this film much. Hancock is terrific - fully fleshed face,all the emotions there. But it's dull. Or unfunny. There's a long piece with Hancock and some kid eating a sundae which I think is meant to be funny. Syms is good. I think a better cast actress would be more effective but she does a good job. People like John Le Mesurier are in it.

Nicely shot. Boring. Sorry, Hancock.

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