Trouble in Store (1953)

Norman is working in the stock room of a large London department store, but he has ambition (doesn't he always !!), he wants to be a window dresser making up the public displays. Whilst ... See full summary »

Director:

John Paddy Carstairs

Writers:

John Paddy Carstairs (screenplay), Maurice Cowan (screenplay),

Stars:

Norman Wisdom, Moira Lister, Megs Jenkins

Won 1 BAFTA Film Award.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Norman Wisdom	...	Norman
Moira Lister	...	Peggy Drew
Megs Jenkins	...	Miss Gibson
Jerry Desmonde	...	Augustus Freeman
Margaret Rutherford	...	Miss Bacon
Lana Morris	...	Sally Wilson
Eddie Leslie	...	Bill
Michael Brennan	...	Davis
Michael Ward	...	Wilbur
Joan Ingram	...	Miss Denby
Cyril Chamberlain	...	Alf
Ronan O'Casey	...	Eddie
Derek Bond	...	Gerald
Joan Sims	...	Edna
John Warren	...	Master of ceremonies

Storyline

Norman is working in the stock room of a large London department store, but he has ambition (doesn't he always !!), he wants to be a window dresser making up the public displays. Whilst trying to fulfill his ambition, he falls in love (doesn't he always !!), with one of the shopgirls. Together they discover a plot to rob the store and, somehow, manage to foil the robbers.

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Plot Keywords:

window dresser | store clerk | foiled robbery | department store | three word title | 

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Genres:

Comedy

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Details

Country:

UK

Language:

English German

Release Date:

12 January 1955 (USA)

Also Known As:

Le roi de la pagaille

Filming Locations:

Pinewood Studios, Iver Heath, Buckinghamshire, England, UK

Company Credits

Production Co:

Maurice Cowan Productions, Two Cities Films

Technical Specs

Runtime:

85 min

Sound Mix:

Mono (Western Electric Recording)

Color:

Black and White

Aspect Ratio:

1.37 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Jill Craigie, who wrote the first draft of the script, is reported to have asked for her name to be removed from the credits after learning of Norman Wisdom's involvement.

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Goofs

The bus being chased by Norman changes from number 88 to number 8, and back again.

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Connections

Referenced in A Personal History of British Cinema by Stephen Frears (1997)

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Soundtracks

"Andantino In D Flat"
(uncredited)
Music by Edwin Lemare

User Reviews

A clown called Norman

"Trouble in Store", a British comedy made in 1953 is still a film that can be watched and enjoyed by modern audiences as it has charm and its humour are timeless.

This was the first film made by British comedian Norman Wisdom as part of his seven film contract with the Rank film company. Many of Wisdom's fans say that his film career went on a downwards spiral after the high point that was this film but if so Norman certainly goes out on a high note.

Norman has been given full reign in this film and gets to show off his talents as a comedian, dancer and singer. His singing ability is put to good use in the second half of this film as he sings the song that would become his trademark song "Don't laugh at me" which Wisdom himself penned. It is hard to think of a current film star who can be classed as a triple threat (an actor/actress who can act, sing, dance) as Wisdom could.

Norman Wisdom proved in this film that he was one of the countries best comedians this country has produced and his popularity remains strong. Now ninety three Wisdom can no longer recognise himself in his films but through films like this his performances live on. Wisdoms likability and charm carry this film, scoring big laughs with audiences every time.