Cheeky ice cream man Fred Scrutton (Bob Monkhouse) chauffeurs his friend Tim (Leslie Phillips) and Tim’s sexy fiancée Deirdre (Shirley Eaton) on a caravan holiday to the seaside. “Lulu” is the name of the caravan, by the way – which Fred tows behind his ice cream van.
Unfortunately for the love-struck couple, Deirdre’s Mum, Flo (Irene Handl) invites herself and her pet dog, Gaylord, along for the ride.
Through a series of misfortunes, they end up in France (that’s quite a detour!) where Ted Lloyd’s screenplay has a field day poking fun at the French, who are personified by a randy count (Alfred Marks), a buffoonish policeman with a taste for ice cream (Graham Stark), Madame Bon-Bon (Judith Furse) and her young ladies, and a French pianist of considerable accomplishment (Russ Conway).
The foursome ends up having to dodge the gendarmes, stealing to get petrol and somehow interrupting the Tour de France.
The gags are broad, often pure slapstick, but this is a great Carry On style comedy from Hammer, usually more renowned for their horror films.
Fred Scrutton
Bob Monkhouse
Timothy Gray
Leslie Phillips
Deirdre Proudfoot
Shirley Eaton
Florence Proudfoot
Irene Handl
Comte de Grenoble
Alfred Marks
Café Patron
Sidney James
British Tourist
Kenneth Connor
Stationmaster
Sydney Tafler
Inspector Larue
Eugene Deckers
Chiron
Graham Stark
Postman Léon
Tutte Lemkow
Mme. Bon-Bon
Judith Furse
Bar Patron
Denis Shaw
Flying Corsican
Stuart Hillier
Lodge Keeper
Andreas Malandrinos
French Pianist
Russ Conway
Director
John Paddy Carstairs
