A film production company decides to make a new space adventure film close to an army barracks, using the soldiers as extras. This does not go down well with the commanding officer, who attempts to make life as difficult as possible for the film crew.
The Monthly Film Bulletin wrote: "A rough-and-tumble farce of the most rudimentary order, lacking even a proper story. The original play (of 1932) is almost unrecognisable; though occasional lines of the original corn momentarily but unmistakably shine through the new layers of chaff. The only moments of real brightness, however, are provided by Tony Hancock, a delightful droll as Lt. Cartroad."[5]
Picture Show wrote: "Based on the amusing stage play, this film is at times really hilarious ... Extremely well acted, it is neatly directed."[6]
TV Guide wrote: "except for a couple of decent comic performances, the good cast, including both Peter Sellers and Donald Pleasence in early roles, are wasted by the film's haphazard construction."[7]
Time Out wrote: "just about worth suffering to see Tony Hancock in his film debut as the harassed bandmaster."[8]
References
^Vincent Porter, 'The Robert Clark Account', Historical Journal of Film, Radio and Television, Vol 20 No 4, 2000 p506
^"Orders Are Orders". British Film Institute Collections Search. Retrieved 11 January 2024.
^"David Lodge". The Independent. 23 October 2003. Retrieved 2 October 2023.
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