Ask a Policeman

Ask a Policeman is a classic British comedy film released in 1939, directed by Marcel Varnel and starring the iconic comedy trio Will Hay, Graham Moffatt, and Moore Marriott. The film was produced by Gainsborough Pictures, one of the most renowned British production companies of the time.

The story of the movie is set in the fictional British village of Turnbottom, where Sergeant Dudfoot (Moore Marriott) and his two bumbling constables, Albert Brown (Graham Moffatt) and Jeremiah Harbottle (Will Hay), are assigned to maintain law and order. However, the village is so peaceful that the trio spends most of their time sleeping and inventing new ways to escape boredom.

Just when they think their job is a complete waste of time, the Chief Constable announces that the police station in Turnbottom is to be closed down due to lack of crime. The trio, however, is determined to keep their jobs, and in a moment of inspiration, they decide to create a fake crime wave to make their village look dangerous enough to warrant keeping the police station open.

Their plan works a little too well, and suddenly Turnbottom is inundated with criminals and suspicious activity. The trio is forced to juggle their various schemes to maintain their ruse while also actually trying to solve the crimes that are popping up all around them. Chaos ensues, and hilarity ensues as the trio tries to keep up with the ever-increasing number of crimes and suspicious characters flooding their sleepy village.

The humor in the movie is typical of the time and is rooted in the absurdity of the situations the trio finds themselves in. Will Hay, who was known for his comedic timing and delivery, delivers a strong performance as Jeremiah Harbottle, the senior constable who is out of his depth but determined to save his job. Graham Moffatt, who plays the young and naïve Albert Brown, adds a touch of innocent humor to the mix, while Moore Marriott provides the straight man to offset the other two.

The film is further enlivened by the presence of a number of other talented actors, such as Dennis Wyndham, who plays the hapless burglar who becomes the unwitting victim of the trio's plans, and Charles Hawtrey, who appears in a small but memorable role as a suspicious passenger on a bus.

One of the strengths of Ask a Policeman is its ability to poke fun at British society at the time while still being entertaining. For example, the film makes light of the bureaucracy and inflexibility of the police force while emphasizing the importance of a human touch in solving crime. This subtle social commentary adds depth to the film and makes it more satisfying than a pure comedy.

Ask a Policeman was a huge success at the time of its release, and it has become a classic in British cinema. Its clever plot, strong performances, and gentle humor have ensured its popularity for generations. The movie also has a timeless quality to it, and its humor is still charming and relevant today.

Overall, Ask a Policeman is a must-see for fans of classic British comedy, and it holds up surprisingly well considering its age. It is a fun, lighthearted romp that doesn't take itself too seriously and is sure to put a smile on your face.