Bulldog Breed, The (1960)

Trying to change his life by joining the navy, well-meaning but clumsy grocer’s assistant Norman Puckle (Wisdom) is posted to the destroyer HMS Dorchester where he soon creates pandemonium but is chosen to be the first test subject for a planned rocket launch.

Admiral Sir Bryanston Blyth (Ian Hunter) firmly believes that Norman has bulldog determination and dismisses opposition from Philpots (Edward Chapman), a smug Civil Servant who favours his own candidate, Carruthers (Frank Williams) for the job.

The Cockney comic has to go through all sorts of tests, and people begin to wonder if he has the “right stuff” for the job.

Puckle is eventually court-martialled but successfully pleads for a final chance to prove himself. By accident, he takes the place of an astronaut and leaves Earth in the rocket. Equally by accident, he manages to return.

He crash-lands on a Pacific island and ends up in the arms of a compliant local maiden.

Future British film stars Michael Caine and Oliver Reed share a scene together with Wisdom when Norman gets into a fight with a gang of Teddy Boys in a cinema lobby.

Future Coronation Street actors Johnny Briggs and William Roache also have small roles. Liz Fraser is alluring as “NAAFI girl”.

Norman Puckle
Norman Wisdom 
Marlene Barlow
Penny Morrell 
Admiral Sir Bryanston Blyth
Ian Hunter 
Chief Petty Officer Knowles
David Lodge 
Commander Clayton
Robert Urquhart 
Mr Philpots
Edward Chapman
Petty Officer Filkins
Eddie Byrne
Diving Instructor
Peter Jones 
Prosecuting Counsel
John Le Mesurier 
Defending Counsel
Terence Alexander 
Streaky Hopkinson
Harold Goodwin
Ainsworth
Brian Oulton
Johnny Nolan
Johnny Briggs 
Mr Carruthers
Frank Williams
NAAFI girl
Liz Fraser 
Peggy
Claire Gordon
WRN Smith
Julie Shearing
Doris
Sheila Hancock
Sailor
Michael Caine
Teddy Boy 
Oliver Reed

Director
Robert Asher