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The Night We Dropped a Clanger
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Wikipedia article
'The Night We Dropped a Clanger' is a 1959 black and white British comedy film directed by Darcy Conyers and starring Brian Rix, Cecil Parker, William Hartnell and Leslie Phillips; Andrew Sachs made his screen debut.
The title comes from the British expression "to drop a clanger", meaning to say something inappropriate or revealing. It links in the title to the secondary meaning of "clang", the noise of a metallic object hitting the floor.
A British secret agent is sent on a secret operation in occupied France during the Second World War but a diversionary tactic turns into a farcical tale of mistaken identity. It was released as 'Make Mine a Double' in the United States.
Although only a minor part, it was the film debut for Andrew Sachs.
Plot
When mysterious, unpiloted, midget aircraft start landing in southern England during the Second World War, secret agent Wing Commander Blenkinsop, VC and bar, is chosen for a top-secret mission to occupied France to investigate. Meanwhile, as a diversionary tactic to deceive the Germans, his exact look-alike, Aircraftsman ['sic'] Atwood (both parts are played by Rix), is reluctantly recruited to go to North Africa. However, through a farcical mixup, Blenkinsop finds himself in Africa and Atwood ends up in France.
By far more luck than judgement, Atwood returns to England in one of the buzz bombs and, with everyone (including Blenkinsop's girlfriend) believing he is Blenkinsop, he continues the impersonation and becomes a national hero, while the real Blenkinsop desperately tries to regain his identity and his life.
Cast
* Brian Rix Aircraftman Arthur Atwood/Wing Commander Blenkinsop
* Cecil Parker Air Vice-Marshal Sir Bertram Bukpasser
* William Hartnell Warrant Officer Bright
* Leslie Phillips Squadron Leader Thomas
* Leo Franklyn Belling
* John Welsh Squadron Leader Grant
* Toby Perkins Flight Lieutenant Spendal
* Liz Fraser Lulu
* Charles Cameron General Gimble
* Vera Pearce Madame Grilby
* Julian D'Albie Air Marshal Carruthers
* Sarah Branch WAAF Hawkins
* Irene Handl Mrs. Billingsgate
* Andrew Sachs Briggs
* Hattie Jacques Ada
* Arthur Brough Admiral Bewdly
* Ray Cooney Corporal
* Oliver Johnston Air Commodore Turner
* Merilyn Roberts 1st WAAF
* Sheila Mercier 2nd WAAF
* Christine Russell 3rd WAAF
* Larry Noble Farmer
* John Langham Ricky
* Rowland Bartrop Smythe
* Julie Mendez Dancer
* Patrick Cargill Fritz
Critical reception
'SKY Movies' wrote, "a typically rickety British farce of the late Fifties, a time when the 'Carry On's were gaining their first foothold. This is a sort of 'Carry On Flying': Brian Rix has a field day in a dual role and there's even William Hartnell, giving his comic all as yet another barking NCO. Broad, unpolished, lowbrow fun."
References
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