Make Mine a Million
| Industry | Film distribution |
|---|---|
| Headquarters | London , United Kingdom |
Make Mine a Million is a 1959 British comedy film directed by Lance Comfort, featuring performances by Arthur Askey, Sid James, and Bernard Cribbins. The screenplay was crafted by Askey, Peter Blackmore, Jack Francis, and Talbot Rothwell, with distribution handled by British Lion. The movie offers a satirical look at the perceived rigidity of the 1950s BBC alongside the emergence of television advertising.
Plot
Arthur Ashton, a character modeled after Arthur Askey himself, works as a makeup artist at National Television—a clear parody of the BBC. He encounters Sid Gibson, a traveling salesman promoting Bonko, a brand of washing powder tablets. Lacking funds for traditional TV advertisements, Sid persuades Arthur to disrupt a live broadcast to showcase Bonko.
This unexpected interruption creates turmoil among the network executives and leads to Arthur’s termination. Nonetheless, the commercial’s success sparks high demand for Bonko.
After replicating their advertising stunt at the Ascot Races, Sid teams up with an advertising professional. Alongside Arthur, they market cake mix during the Edinburgh Tattoo, and Arthur even makes an appearance on stage during a performance of Swan Lake.
Although Arthur wishes to step away from these antics, Sid convinces him to execute one final on-air intrusion—this time during a press conference involving the British Prime Minister and the American President. On their way, their Post Office van is commandeered by criminals. Utilizing his broadcasting equipment inside the van, Arthur notifies law enforcement and assists in thwarting the robbery in a dramatic confrontation. In the end, Arthur gains fame with his own television program, managed by Sid.
Cast
- Arthur Askey as Arthur Ashton
- Sid James as Sid Gibson
- Dermot Walsh as Martin Russell
- Olga Lindo as Mrs. Burgess
- Clive Morton as Director General
- Sally Barnes as Sally
- George Margo as assistant
- Lionel Murton as commercial TV director
- Bernard Cribbins as Jack
- Kenneth Connor as anxious husband
- Barbara Windsor as switchboard operator
- Martin Benson as Chairman
- David Nettheim as Professor
- Bruce Seton as Superintendent James
- Tommy Trinder as himself
- Dickie Henderson as himself
- Evelyn Laye as herself
- Dennis Lotis as himself
- Anthea Askey as herself
- Raymond Glendenning as himself
- Patricia Bredin as herself
- Leonard Weir as himself
- Sabrina as herself
- Gillian Lynne as herself
- Peter Noble as TV Host
- Prince Monolulu as himself
- Leigh Madison as Diana
- Sam Kydd as mail van robber
- Edwin Richfield as plainclothes policeman
- Bill Shine as Outside Broadcast producer
- Gordon Jackson as pipe band leader
Production
Principal photography commenced on 7 July 1958 at the Shepperton Studios located near London. The visual design was overseen by art director Denis Wreford. During its production phase, the film was initially known under the working title Look Before You Laugh.
Critical reception
The Monthly Film Bulletin characterized the movie as "wholesome family entertainment," featuring gentle humor and a sharp parody of both the BBC and commercial television broadcasters.
Awarding it three out of five stars, the Radio Times Guide to Films highlighted Arthur Askey’s shift from BBC to ITV and his comedic portrayal involving detergent commercials, describing it as an energetic and enjoyable comedy.
In British Sound Films: The Studio Years 1928–1959, David Quinlan assessed the film as "average," noting its broad humor and amiable performances.
External links
- IMDb: Make Mine a Million
- British Comedy Guide: Make Mine a Million
- Articles with short description
- 1959 films
- Films directed by Lance Comfort
- 1959 comedy films
- British comedy films
- Films set in London
- Films with screenplays by Talbot Rothwell
- Films about television
- British Lion Films films
- Films shot at Shepperton Studios
- 1950s English-language films
- 1950s British films
- Films scored by Stanley Black