The Sandwich Man (1966)

A man with a sandwich-board (advert) wanders around London meeting many strange characters.

Director:

Robert Hartford-Davis

Writers:

Michael Bentine (original story and screenplay), Robert Hartford-Davis (original story and screenplay)

Stars:

Michael Bentine, Dora Bryan, Harry H. Corbett

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Michael Bentine	...	The Sandwich Man
Dora Bryan	...	Mrs. De Vere
Harry H. Corbett	...	Stage Door Keeper
Bernard Cribbins	...	Photographer
Diana Dors	...	First Billingsgate Lady
Ian Hendry	...	Policeman Motor Cycle
Stanley Holloway	...	Park Gardener
Wilfrid Hyde-White	...	Lord Uffingham (as Wilfrid Hyde White)
Michael Medwin	...	Sewer Man
Ron Moody	...	Rowing Coach
Anna Quayle	...	Second Billingsgate Lady
Terry-Thomas	...	Scout Master (as Terry Thomas)
Norman Wisdom	...	Boxing Vicar
Donald Wolfit	...	Car Salesman
David Buck	...	Steven

Storyline

A man with a sandwich-board (advert) wanders around London meeting many strange characters.

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Plot Keywords:

sandwich board | vicar | construction site | racing pigeon | photographer | 

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Genres:

Comedy

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Details

Country:

UK

Language:

English

Release Date:

July 1966 (UK)

Also Known As:

That Swinging City

Filming Locations:

Billingsgate, Trafalgar Way, Isle of Dogs, London, England, UK

Company Credits

Production Co:

Rank Organisation, The, Titan International

Technical Specs

Runtime:

95 min

Sound Mix:

Mono

Color:

Color (Eastmancolor) (uncredited)

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

David Buck, Suzy Kendall and Tracey Crisp all receive "introducing" credits.

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Crazy Credits

The end credits are played out over a wrestling bout, involving a bikini-clad girl, which has no connection with the rest of the film.

User Reviews

Great Cast, Characters, flimsy story....

If one was reviewing The Sandwich Man by the head alone and not the heart, then 5/10, possibly even 4/10 might be in order, here.

Being mid 40's, I can just recall Michael Bentine on TV when I was very young. These must have been repeats of his BBC shows 'It's a Square World' and whilst he appeared funny and weird, the material was, obviously, above me.

Now, on UK Gold, comes 1966's The Sandwich Man. As others have said, it's a time capsule of swinging London and its rainbow of colourful characters. From Dora Bryan to a real who's-who of every comic actor that even I'd heard of and have enjoyed and been brought up with. They're like an extended family!

Though many hang their heads in shame these days, the playful way that white actors played ethnics is a part of the package and it was FAR more innocent and affectionate than most folk ever realise. It's actually part of our television and film heritage, so enjoy and accept it for what it was THEN.

As my subject line says, the script definitely takes second fiddle, to the point where I wonder if there actually was one, or at least stuck to! And, the gags now have been so overdone and are so familiar through countless Carry On's and similar comic vehicles, that, really, they barely raise a titter these days. However, the idea of Bentine wearing a sandwich board and going round the locations, catching up with his friends is a good one and I have to admit, the Park scenes, toward the end, with the escaped sit-on mower was actually really funny and his final 'escape' will surprise you - it did me!

Still, I had fun watching it, looking out for the stars of yesterday and comparing a largely lost London with our society today.