Yank in Ermine, A (1955)

Enlisted American Airman Joe Turner (Peter Thompson) receives a visit from British solicitor Mr Kimp (Reginald Beckwith), informing him that he’s about to inherit a title (the Ninth Earl of Beverleau), a seat in the House of Lords, a sizable estate in Beveleau under Willows in England and a fortune of over £1 million – if he relinquishes his American citizenship.

Unsure about giving up his nationality, Joe visits Britain to inspect the estate along with two Air Force buddies – “Slowburn” (Jon Pertwee with a truly awful American accent) and “Butch” (Harold Lloyd Jr, the son of the silent screen legend) –  leaving his nightclub singer fiancee Gloria (Diana Decker) at home.

Joe and his friends have trouble adjusting to British life – the beer is warm, and sports such as croquet are challenging to grasp – and the stuffy butler Boone (Richard Wattis) is mortified by the informality of the three American guests.

Joe falls for Angela (Noelle Middleton) – the heiress to a neighbouring estate.

Unfortunately, she is engaged to the Hon. Bertram Maltravers (Guy Middleton), and when Joe’s buddies send for Gloria (thinking Joe must be homesick by now), things become very complicated.

This untaxing fish-out-of-water comedy was filmed at Beaconsfield Studios in Buckinghamshire, Cliveden House in Taplow, Hall Barn House in Windsor End, Hughenden Manor, and on location in Turville near Henley-on-Thames in Eastman Colour. The film was based on the novel Solid! Said The Earl by John Paddy Carstairs.

Joe Turner
Peter Thompson
Lady Angela
Noelle Middleton
Butch Halliday
Harold Lloyd Jr
Slowburn Jenks
Jon Pertwee
Gloria
Diana Decker
Mr Kimp
Reginald Beckwith
Duke of Fontenham
Edward Chapman
Boone
Richard Wattis
Captain Bertram Maltravers
Guy Middleton
Clayton
Harry Locke
Colonel McGurk
Alan Gifford
Mabel
Joanna Gay
Enid
Jennifer Jayne
Nightclub Manager
Sid James
Alf Lewis
George Hilsdon
Landlord
George Woodbridge
Shopkeeper
Alice Bowes

Director
Gordon Parry