The Night We Dropped A Clanger

The Night We Dropped A Clanger is a British comedy film from 1959 starring Brian Rix, Cecil Parker, and William Hartnell. The film revolves around a group of British agents who are sent to Greece to carry out a mission during World War II. However, things do not go as planned, and they end up in a series of hilarious situations.

The film begins with Major Giles Flack (played by Brian Rix) and his team of three agents, Captain Potts (played by William Hartnell), Sergeant Bruce (played by Leslie Phillips), and Private Sidney (played by Kenneth Connor), who are sent to occupied Greece with the task of blowing up a German airfield. However, their plans quickly go awry when Potts accidentally drops their explosives in the sea.

The group then finds themselves stranded on a deserted island with no way to complete their mission. To make matters worse, they are soon joined by a German patrol and must find a way to survive without being caught. The rest of the film follows their attempts to outsmart the German soldiers and make their way back to safety.

As expected, the film is filled with comedic moments that arise from the character's misadventures. Rix's character Flack is always well-meaning but often bumbles his way through situations, while Hartnell's character Potts is more reserved and practical. The other two members of the team, Bruce (Phillips) and Sidney (Conner), are also given plenty of opportunities to showcase their comedic talents.

Along the way, the group encounters a variety of eccentric characters, including a Greek resistance fighter who helps them escape from the Germans and a woman who runs a local tavern. Each of these characters adds to the film's overall humor and keeps the audience entertained.

One of the highlights of the film is the interaction between Rix and Parker, who plays their commanding officer, Colonel J. C. Pennington-Richards. Parker's performance is well-executed as he delivers his lines with perfect timing and brings a sense of gravitas to the film.

The film's setting is also a key element in creating its humor. The team ends up on a deserted island filled with misadventures, which allows for a wide range of physical comedy. The landscape creates several comedic moments, including when Rix and Conner are stuck in quicksand and must be rescued by the rest of the team.

Overall, The Night We Dropped A Clanger is a fun-filled comedy that is sure to keep audiences entertained from start to finish. Its slapstick humor and witty dialogues make it a must-watch for those looking for a good laugh. The film's talented cast, excellent direction from director Darcy Conyers, and beautiful location all combine to make it a classic British comedy that still holds up today.