Bottoms Up (1960 film)
Bottoms Up is a British comedy motion picture from 1960, helmed by director Mario Zampi. The film stars Jimmy Edwards reprising a character from his television show Whack-O!. Edwards portrays the disreputable, hard-drinking, cane-wielding headmaster of the fictional Chiselbury School, a British public school. The script was penned by Michael Pertwee, with supplementary dialogue contributions from Frank Muir and Denis Norden.
Among the cast is young actor John "Mitch" Mitchell, who later became the drummer for The Jimi Hendrix Experience, alongside Richard Briers, making his first appearance in cinema.
Plot
Professor Jim Edwards, who leads Chiselbury School, risks losing his position to the incoming chairman of the Board of Governors unless he can raise the institution’s standards. At the same time, he is under pressure from a bookmaker demanding repayment of debts. To tackle both challenges, Edwards concocts a scheme: he enrolls the bookmaker’s son at the school, having him pose as the prince of an oil-rich Middle Eastern country, hoping this ruse will boost student admissions.
Cast
- Jimmy Edwards as Professor Jim Edwards
- Arthur Howard as Oliver Pettigrew
- Mitch Mitchell as Peregrine Wendover (credited as John Mitchell)
- Martita Hunt as Lady Gore-Willoughby
- Sydney Tafler as Sid Biggs
- Raymond Huntley as Garrick Jones
- Reginald Beckwith as Bishop Wendover
- Vanda Hudson as Matron (credited simply as Vanda)
- Melvyn Hayes as Cecil Biggs
- Donald Hewlett as Hamley
- Richard Briers as Colbourne
Critical reception
The Monthly Film Bulletin observed that although the film expands on the television series’ comedic style, its over-the-top slapstick and meandering narrative restrict its appeal to those fond of Jimmy Edwards’ humor.
In The Radio Times Guide to Films, it earned a 2 out of 5 star rating, with commendation for its capable supporting cast but criticism for its inconsistent comedic execution.
Leslie Halliwell described it succinctly as a "rambling film adaptation of a popular TV series."
TV Guide criticized it as "pointless slapstick comedy," citing forced humor arising from an inadequate script and direction.
On the other hand, Allmovie praised director and producer Mario Zampi for his effective delivery of comedy.
Sky Movies noted that while the film could have been more humorous, it still serves as an excellent platform showcasing Edwards in his trademark role.