Press for Time (1966)

The British P.M.'s grandson, Norman, becomes a reporter for a provincial newspaper where he causes hilarious chaos.

Director:

Robert Asher

Writers:

Angus McGill (book), Norman Wisdom (screenplay)

Stars:

Norman Wisdom, Derek Bond, Angela Browne

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Norman Wisdom	...	Norman Shields / Emily, his mother / Wilfred, his grandfather (the P.M.)
Derek Bond	...	Maj. R.E. Bartlett
Angela Browne	...	Eleanor Lampton
Tracey Crisp	...	Ruby Fairchild
Allan Cuthbertson	...	Mr. Ballard (Attorney General)
Noel Dyson	...	Mrs. Corcoran (the lady mayor)
Derek Francis	...	Ernest Corcoran (alderman)
Peter Jones	...	Robin Willobey (photographer)
David Lodge	...	Mr. Ross (editor, 'Tinmouth Times')
Stanley Unwin	...	Mr. Nottage (Town Clerk)
Frances White	...	Liz Corcoran
Michael Balfour	...	Sewerman
Tony Selby	...	Harry Marshall (reporter, 'County Chronicle')
Michael Bilton
Norman Pitt

Storyline

Norman is quite happy selling newspapers outside Westminster station but his Grandfather (the Prime Minister) wants to get him "a more responsible job". A few favours are called in and Norman becomes the newest reporter at the seaside town of Tinmouth. After causing chaos at a local council meeting and causing the demolition of a new house he tries to organise a beauty pageant. A slapstick tale of corruption in high and low places.

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Plot Keywords:

klutz | london england | newspaper | editor | reporter | 

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Taglines:

Norman's a newspaper reporter - in his funniest film yet!

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Genres:

Comedy

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Did You Know?

Trivia

Norman Wisdom was widely felt to be too old to play the Prime Minister's grandson.

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Goofs

When Norman is having a drink with Miss Lampton, as they get up to leave all the glasses are empty, when moments earlier at least 3 of them were full.

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Connections

Featured in The Tonight Show with Jay Leno: Episode #19.50 (2010)

User Reviews

Contains a great stunt

Not quite Norman's best film, but it has plenty of great comic moments. Stanley Unwin's contribution in his inimitable gibberish (you can in fact follow the meaning if you listen very carefully!) is brilliant as always. Frances White gives a lovely performance as Liz. She may not have been as 'attractive' as Norman's primary love-interest Eleanor, but she turns out a much more worthy character. The seaside locations are beautiful (I must visit Teignmouth one day). And the condemnation of tinpot local politicians is perfect, and should be seen more often. For me, though, the supreme glory of 'Press For Time' is Norman's stunt when he visits the Mayor's house. Liz's mother introducing him to her daughter, while he's hanging from the chandelier, is a truly unforgettable moment in British cinema.

Details

Country:

UK

Language:

English

Release Date:

8 December 1966 (UK)

Also Known As:

Ein blindes Huhn

Filming Locations:

Beaconsfield Studios, Beaconsfield, Buckinghamshire, England, UK

Company Credits

Production Co:

The Rank Organisation, IVY Productions, Titan Films

Technical Specs

Runtime:

98 min

Sound Mix:

Mono

Color:

Color (Eastmancolor) (uncredited)

Aspect Ratio:

1.66 : 1