Up the Front
| Company type | Film |
|---|---|
| Industry | Entertainment |
| Founded | 1972 |
| Founder | Bob Kellett (director), Sid Colin and Eddie Braben (screenwriters) |
| Products | Comedy film |
Up the Front is a 1972 British comedy film directed by Bob Kellett, featuring performances by Frankie Howerd, Bill Fraser, and Hermione Baddeley. The screenplay, penned by Sid Colin and Eddie Braben, takes place during the First World War and represents the third cinematic adaptation stemming from the TV series Up Pompeii!. Its predecessors include Up Pompeii (1971), which is set in ancient Rome, and Up the Chastity Belt (1971), situated in medieval times.
The narrative centers on Lurk, a timid servant who is a descendant of Lurcio from Up Pompeii, and who becomes courageous through hypnosis.
Plot
Set amid the First World War, Lurk serves in the household of Lord and Lady Twithampton. Under hypnosis by The Great Vincento, he is compelled to "save England" on the Western Front. An unusual incident results in the German war strategy being tattooed onto his backside, prompting German intelligence to pursue him across France.
Lurk infiltrates British military command to deliver these plans to General Burke but encounters the German spy Mata Hari. After preventing her from stealing the documents, he is chased by Von Gutz and his assistants Donner and Blitzen, with a Can-Can performed by the Famous Buttercup Girls providing a backdrop. Disguised as a tree, Lurk manages to hand over the plans to General Burke:
General Burke: "Lurk, bend down".
Lurk: "I thought you'd never ask!"
In recognition of his achievement, Lurk is awarded a medal of honour and promoted, which helps him win over his love interest Fanny and foil Sgt. Major Groping’s plots.
Cast
Bob Hoskins makes his mainstream film debut in a brief role.
Production
Filming commenced in January 1972. This project marked Eddie Braben’s debut as a film scriptwriter, having gained prominence in television writing.
Producer Ned Sherrin reflected:
With a budget slightly exceeding £200,000 over six weeks, filming proceeded smoothly. Frankie Howerd had an established audience, and director Bob Kellett efficiently managed both actors and camera work. Production manager Terry Glinwood kept track of schedules and expenses. My responsibilities included casting acquaintances in minor roles and coordinating cameo appearances to maintain Frankie’s satisfaction, often resolved during pleasant lunches. Additionally, I concentrated on preparing future ventures.
Critical reception
The Monthly Film Bulletin characterized the movie as "the most threadbare offering in Frankie Howerd's series," noting its lack of humor despite a notable cast but commending Seamus Flannery's appealing production design.
The New York Times observed that "laughs come fast and furious" when Howerd’s character ends up with enemy war plans tattooed on him. Conversely, TV Guide dismissed it as "inane nonsense."
Leslie Halliwell described it as a "threadbare end-of-the-pier romp."
The Radio Times Guide to Films awarded it 1 out of 5 stars, criticizing Sid Colin’s weak script despite Eddie Braben’s involvement and labeling the acting as uninspired.
Box office
Ned Sherrin regarded it as "by far the least successful of the series," noting it was produced hastily and released too soon after Chastity Belt.