Mild-mannered widower Horace Quilby (Michael Bentine) is a ‘Sandwich Man’ who carries a sandwich-board on behalf of Finklebaum and O’Casey – dealers in ‘misfit clothing’ – and is a resplendent sight in his top hat and tails as he walks the London streets.
He is also secretary of the Sandwichmen’s Brotherhood. But his real interest in life is pigeon racing, and today is no ordinary day for Horace, as Esmerelda, his cherished racing pigeon, is taking part in the race of her life from Bordeaux to London.
In the course of the day, he comes across some strange characters and situations, while his neighbour, Mrs de Vere (Dora Bryan), keeps him up to date on the progress of Esmerelda.
The main story thread sees Quilby reunite Sue (Suzy Kendall), a young model, with Steven (David Buck), her errant boyfriend.
This virtually silent movie is a wonderful, lovable film full of gentle comedy and joyous optimism, featuring ex-Goon Bentine in perhaps his best role.
The all-star cast – including Diana Dors, Terry-Thomas, Bernard Cribbins, Harry H Corbett, Stanley Holloway, Ian Hendry, Norman Wisdom and Warren Mitchell – provides ample opportunity for a game of ‘Spot the Celebrity’.
Horace Quilby
Michael Bentine Mrs de Vere
Dora Bryan Lord Uffingham
Wilfrid Hyde-White Father O’Malley
Norman Wisdom Sue
Suzy Kendall Steven
David Buck Gypsy Syd
Warren Mitchell Stage doorkeeper
Harry H Corbett Photographer
Bernard Cribbins Gardener
Stanley Holloway Billingsgate woman 1
Diana Dors Billingsgate woman 2
Anna Quayle Scoutmaster
Terry-Thomas Sewer man
Michael Medwin Coach
Ron Moody Motorcyle cop
Ian Hendry Yachtsman
Alfie Bass Religious Sandwich man
John Le Mesurier Escapologist
Peter Jones Gyspy Sid
Warren Mitchell Chauffeur
John Junkin Ice Cream Man
Burt Kwouk Navvy
James Bolam Girl in Crowd
Valerie Leon
Director
Robert Hartford-Davis
Video
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Horace Quilby
Steven
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