A clever and funny cast boosts up an otherwise unbelievable comedy about a navy ship handed over to a blithering fool. Lt. Humphrey Fairweather (David Tomlinson) doesn't have a clue as to what it means to be a leader, so when he's paired with an equally foolish boson (Peter Sellers), the results don't just sink ships. They drain the sea. Tomlinson and Sellers aren't intentionally trying to cause trouble, but it's obvious that with a pig and a chicken as the ship's mascots, they are about as likely to succeed in their mission as a rotten egg is going to make a satisfying breakfast.
There are a few laughs around (it wouldn't be hard to get some with Tomlinson and Sellers), and the supporting cast (which also includes Wilfred Hyde-White and Lionel Jeffries) is certainly fun as well. But it's a nonsensical plot with a bunch of twists I found somewhat eye rolling at times. The way a ship does actually sink in this does get a laugh only because it is played out to be completely unbelievable scientifically, and that in itself does create a fun sight gag. Sellers has a strange accent (far from his more well known Inspector Clouseau) but manages not to be an over-the-top ham. Fortunately not overlong which makes it easy to get through, but it will be forgotten about within half an hour.
There are a few laughs around (it wouldn't be hard to get some with Tomlinson and Sellers), and the supporting cast (which also includes Wilfred Hyde-White and Lionel Jeffries) is certainly fun as well. But it's a nonsensical plot with a bunch of twists I found somewhat eye rolling at times. The way a ship does actually sink in this does get a laugh only because it is played out to be completely unbelievable scientifically, and that in itself does create a fun sight gag. Sellers has a strange accent (far from his more well known Inspector Clouseau) but manages not to be an over-the-top ham. Fortunately not overlong which makes it easy to get through, but it will be forgotten about within half an hour.