Trouble in Store (1953)

Norman (Norman Wisdom) 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 ... See full summary »

Director:

John Paddy Carstairs

Writers:

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

Stars:

Norman Wisdom, Margaret Rutherford, Moira Lister

Won 1 BAFTA Film Award.

Cast

Complete credited cast:
Norman Wisdom	...	Norman
Margaret Rutherford	...	Miss Bacon
Moira Lister	...	Peggy Drew
Derek Bond	...	Gerald
Lana Morris	...	Sally Wilson
Jerry Desmonde	...	Augustus Freeman
Megs Jenkins	...	Miss Gibson
Joan Sims	...	Edna
Eddie Leslie	...	Bill
Michael Brennan	...	Davis
Joan Ingram	...	Miss Denby
Michael Ward	...	Wilbur
Cyril Chamberlain	...	Alf
Ronan O'Casey	...	Eddie

Storyline

Norman (Norman Wisdom) 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. While 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 | three word title | tied to a post | bound and gagged | store clerk | 

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Genres:

Comedy

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Certificate:

Not Rated

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

Miss Bacon glues three stickers to a suitcase, and walks away with four on it.

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Connections

Spoofs High Noon (1952)

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Soundtracks

There Is a Tavern in the Town
(uncredited)
Traditional
Arranged by Ray Terry

User Reviews

A good comedy that will make you forget your troubles.

Though now slightly over fifty years old, Sir Norman's film debut remains one of his very best movies. 'Trouble In Store' finds the clown in top form, as a stock room worker who wishes to move up in the world and marry the girl of his dreams. Whether roller-skating behind a fast moving bus or crooning his biggest hit (and signature tune) 'Don't Laugh At Me', Norman demonstrates the charisma that made him such a major box office attraction.

Backing Norman is the fantastic Margaret Rutherford, who in only a handful of scenes steals the picture (and everything else!) as an elderly shoplifter. The very lovely Lana Morris also scores as the object of Sir Norman's affections. Lana comes across in this picture so well that it is a real pity that she did not have a better movie career.

Highlights range from Wisdom's window dressing 'duel' with Michael Ward, a very catchy duet with Lana (Norman once again showing us his great singing voice) and a fun Western parody climax. This movie seemed to fly by and is probably Sir Norman's most enjoyable film.

Details

Country:

UK

Language:

English German

Release Date:

12 January 1955 (USA)

Also Known As:

Ich und der Herr Direktor

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:

1.66 : 1