Jumping for Joy

I've systematically made my way through the British comedy films of the 50s and 60s but, somehow, missed this one.

Its very gentle humour, and the obvious fondness that Frankie has for the 'leading lady', make it well worth a watch.

Look out for the brilliant snippets with Gerald Campion, Arthur Mullard and Bill Frazer.

Glad I watched it!

I'm not surprised Frankie Howerd didn't fully succeed in films, judging by this rubbish! "Jumping for Joy" has Howerd cast as a slow-witted employee for a London dog track. Predictably, our hapless hero gets himself into all kinds of mischief - which is embarrassing to look at. The biggest problem with this film is the script. Rarely have I come across such abominable dialogue. It is unfunny on a chronic scale. From the opening few minutes, it's clear the film is doomed. In addition, the plot suffers as well as the narrative. At a running time of 88 minutes, the pace really drags until it feels as though I'm stuck with a ball and chain. The supporting cast are wasted. What must they have been thinking??

Some funny moment if you can get by the naievty of the Frankie Howerd !

With the actors featuring in the cast you would expect a far better film.Lionel Jefferies attempts a cockney accent but sounds as if he had a cold.Tony Wright seems to be carved out of oak.The script remains resolutely mirthless.The only good thing is the jaunty title number.

Willie Joy buys a dog to make his girl happy; it's a greyhound whose owner doesn't want it because it's no good on the track anymore. He ends up being kicked out of his house and living with a punter in his train, who hatches an elaborate money making scheme. But in amongst this, Willie's dog gets well again and he starts training it for the races, and he somehow ends up mixed up with a whole lot of crooked gangsters and a dog doping ring!

Movie is definitely funny - don't miss a minute of the blind old lady who mistakes Willie for "Percy", and can't drive unless someone else is in the car to let her know when another car might be in her way.. 9/10 - watch it if you can!