Harry H Corbett strays into Norman Wisdom territory in this disappointing comedy-drama from the husband-and-wife team of Sydney and Muriel Box.
As innocent Percy Winthram – in his late thirties, obsessed with football, inexperienced in love and dominated by his mother – who is following his football team to Wembley, Corbett is unconvincingly wide-eyed, although his scenes with Diane Cilento’s prostitute have a certain sweetness about them.
The remainder, however, reeks of contrivance, with the banter between the fans continually ringing false, while the patronising depiction of northerners is most irksome.
In adapting his play for the big screen, Charles Dyer so overdoes the pathos that what few laughs there are seem rather cruel and out of place.
Percy Winthram
Harry H Corbett Cyrenne
Diane Cilento Mrs Winthram
Thora Hird Ginger
Michael Medwin Chalky
Charles Dyer Ozzie
Hugh Futcher Fred
Brian Wilde Ricardo
Alexander Davion Mario
David Saire Iris
Barbara Archer
Director
Muriel Box
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As innocent Percy Winthram – in his late thirties, obsessed with football, inexperienced in love and dominated by his mother – who is following his football team to Wembley, Corbett is unconvincingly wide-eyed, although his scenes with Diane Cilento’s prostitute have a certain sweetness about them.
