Generally well-regarded as an Ealing classic, PASSPORT TO PIMLICO is an acceptable comedy by modern standards, although it does feel noticeably dated and rather tame in its wit. The simple storyline is the best part of it: an excavation uncovers some old historical documents that 'prove' that Pimlico isn't actually part of the British Isles at all, so it becomes a micro state.
While the set-up is a decent one, the rest of the film seems somewhat muddled and unfocused with the humour in absence for the most part. It's fun to see Ealing regulars like Stanley Holloway going through the paces, but otherwise this is merely a string of set-pieces. The climactic scenes of crowd feeding are good fun but otherwise this is a film that lacks the biting wit of modern political satires.
One of the most fun parts of the film is seeing Naunton Wayne and Basil Radford, those two delightful cricket-loving gentlemen from THE LADY VANISHES, teaming up again for some double-act work. Keen eyes will spot Charles Hawtrey a decade or so before CARRY ON made him big.
While the set-up is a decent one, the rest of the film seems somewhat muddled and unfocused with the humour in absence for the most part. It's fun to see Ealing regulars like Stanley Holloway going through the paces, but otherwise this is merely a string of set-pieces. The climactic scenes of crowd feeding are good fun but otherwise this is a film that lacks the biting wit of modern political satires.
One of the most fun parts of the film is seeing Naunton Wayne and Basil Radford, those two delightful cricket-loving gentlemen from THE LADY VANISHES, teaming up again for some double-act work. Keen eyes will spot Charles Hawtrey a decade or so before CARRY ON made him big.