On The Front Line With Frankie Howerd As He Goes: Up The Front!
The third and final big screen instalment spinning off from the popular TV series Up Pompeii, set during World War I sees Frankie Howerd off to fight on the front line.
The film is everything you’d expect from a Frankie Howerd film. Full of sauce, knowing real-life references and witty remarks to camera. It’s also notable for a brief appearance from Bob Hoskins who made his mainstream debut playing a recruiting sergeant.
It’s interesting to note the Morecambe and Wise connection. Sid Colin was one of the writers of their early series: Two Of A kind, whilst Eddie Braben provided the material for their hugely successful BBC shows.
Summary
It’s World War I and we meet Lurk, a descendent of a Roman slave Lurcio and an coward.
Lurk is busy doing all he can to evade call-up. However one evening he’s hypnotised by a drunken hypnotist (Stanley Holloway) into being brave, but he fails to be released from it.
So with his yellow streak gone Lurk is down that army office before you can say “titter ye not.” Off to war he goes, mingling with sexy spies and before long, the spellbound recruit is heading hot-foot back to Blighty with the Germans’ plan of attack tattooed on his bum and the Germans are bringing up the rear…!
Clips
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Main Cast
Frankie Howerd – Lurk
Bill Fraser – Groping
Hermione Baddeley – Monique
Zsa Zsa Gabor – Mata Hari
Details
Written By: Sid Colin and Eddie Braben
Produced By: Terry Glinwood, Ned Sherrin and Beryl Vertue
Directed By: Bob Kelett
Original Release Date: July 1972