Tommy the Toreador

Tommy the Toreador

Company type	Film
Industry	Entertainment
Founded	1959
Founder	John Paddy Carstairs (director), Nat Cohen (producer)
Products	Musical comedy film

Tommy the Toreador is a 1959 British musical comedy film helmed by director John Paddy Carstairs, featuring performances by Tommy Steele, Janet Munro, Sid James, Bernard Cribbins, Noel Purcell, and Kenneth Williams.

Premise

When a British vessel arrives in Spain, Tommy, a sailor from London, finds himself stranded after rescuing a bullfighter’s life.

Cast

• Tommy Steele portraying Tommy
• Janet Munro as Amanda
• Sid James in the role of Cadena
• Bernard Cribbins playing Paco
• Noel Purcell as the Captain
• Virgílio Teixeira cast as Parilla, the Bullfighter
• José Nieto as Inspector Quintero
• Ferdy Mayne in the role of Lopez
• Harold Kasket as Jose
• Kenneth Williams playing the Vice-Consul
• Eric Sykes as Martin

Production

This movie marked the third collaboration between Tommy Steele and producer Nat Cohen. Janet Munro was lent from Walt Disney’s studio, where she was under contract. Filming took place at Associated British studios located in Borehamwood, with additional scenes shot on location in Seville during May 1959. Steele remarked that shooting extended over 12 weeks, guided by Carstairs’ dynamic and efficient leadership.

Songs

The soundtrack features compositions by Lionel Bart, Mike Pratt, and Steele himself—who had previously worked together on The Duke Wore Jeans. These songs were crafted to blend naturally into the storyline without disrupting the narrative flow.

Highlighted musical numbers include:

• "Tommy the Toreador"
• "Take a Ride"
• "Little White Bull"
• "Singing Time"
• "Where's the Birdie?" – performed alongside James and Cribbins
• "Amanda"

Critical reception

Tom Vallance of The Radio Times awarded the film three stars out of five, emphasizing Tommy Steele’s charismatic portrayal of a sailor in this spirited musical comedy. Meanwhile, Variety characterized it as "a brisk, disarming little comedy." Filmink complimented the production as "sweet," particularly noting Janet Munro’s charming performance.

Box office

According to Kine Weekly, the film was classified as a "money maker" within the UK box office during 1960.

Legacy

Steele attributed the growth of his career to the song "Little White Bull," highlighting that its appeal to younger listeners introduced a fresh demographic to his rock performances.

External links

• Tommy the Toreador on IMDb
• Tommy the Toreador on Letterboxd
• Tommy the Toreador on BFI