Ask a Policeman

Ask a Policeman is a classic British comedy film released in the year 1939. Directed by Marcel Varnel, it features the brilliant performances of notable actors of the time including Will Hay, Graham Moffatt, and Moore Marriott. The film is highly regarded among the earlier British comedies and is well-known for its quick-witted humor, scenic settings, strong character development, and its hilarious story arc.

The film centers around the character William Potts, played by the comedic genius Will Hay. Potts is an inept police sergeant in the small town of Turnbotham Round, a peaceful place so devoid of crime that the police force is on the verge of being shut down due to lack of activity. In an attempt to justify their existence and save their jobs, Potts, alongside his two equally bumbling assistants, Harbottle and Albert (played by Moore Marriott and Graham Moffatt), decide to fabricate a crime wave in their village.

The plot gains momentum when, due to a series of unexpected events and misunderstandings, this fraudulent crime wave coincides with the shocking resurgence of actual local criminal activities. The villagers soon find themselves amidst a spooky legend of smugglers whose phantom-like presence has haunted the village since the 18th century. These intriguing twists and turns lead the way for an array of comedic scenarios as the oblivious trio attempts to save their jobs while simultaneously blundering their way through the real investigation.

Will Hay, who was popular for portraying comically incompetent authority figures, once again delivers a memorable performance as Sergeant Potts. Hay's portrayal of a befuddled and bungling yet endearing police officer is complemented by the comedic duo of Marriott and Moffatt, whose playful humor evidently took every opportunity to make the audience laugh. Marriott's portrayal of the elderly Harbottle is delightful as he effortlessly engages viewers with his peculiar old man character with tales of a bygone age. Moffatt, on the other hand, brings his special charm to the role of Albert, whose guileless nature and dogged loyalty add another layer to the film's comedy.

Aside from its impressive cast and comedic plot, Ask a Policeman boasts a rich and aesthetically pleasing background that contributes to the movie's overall charm. Set in the idyllic British countryside, the film beautifully portrays the serene life in a small village with cobblestone streets, rolling hills, quaint houses, and a friendly, tight-knit community.

The film also explores some of the period's socio-cultural themes in a light-hearted manner. It provides a comedic perspective on several societal aspects, including the efficiency versus redundancy debate in light of modern automation, and questions on the roles and duties of the police force. Moreover, the film subtly underlines social disparities through the trio's endeavors, and the community's response to them, thus serving as a humorous commentary on some of life's ironies.

Furthermore, the movie's screenplay, penned by Marriott Edgar, Sidney Gilliat, & J.O.C. Orton, effectively delivers comedy rooted in clever dialogue, situational humor, and memorable character interactions. The narrative smoothly transitions from humorous exchanges to slapstick comedy, providing an entertaining viewing experience. The director Marcel Varnel, known for his work in British comedy, has successfully managed to maintain a balance between comedy and the elements of mystery and suspense in his execution.

Despite being a comedy, the narrative cleverly integrates a ghostly smugglers' legend and successfully maintains the suspense throughout, resulting in a funny, light-hearted yet thrilling and engaging storyline. This integration of comedy, mystery, and suspense is a distinctive feature that sets 'Ask a Policeman' apart from typical comedies.

Ask a Policeman is a classic comedy gem from the black-and-white era, offering a whirlwind of laughter, suspense, and surprisingly, a touch of the supernatural. It's a testament to the timeless appeal of well-crafted humor and character-driven comedy scenarios. The stellar performances of Hay, Marriott, and Moffatt, along with the cleverly written script and well-crafted direction, make Ask a Policeman a must-watch for fans of vintage comedies and classic British cinema.