One Way Pendulum

One Way Pendulum is an offbeat British comedy film, released in 1965. Known for its distinctive brand of zany humor not often encountered in mainstream productions of its time, this movie is a charm for fans who appreciate films prepared to venture beyond the classic humor of that era. Directed by Peter Yates, this remarkable movie stars Eric Sykes, George Cole, and Julia Foster.

The unconventional spirit of this movie manifests itself fundamentally in the lead character, the exceptionally eccentric Arthur Groom, portrayed by the legendary Eric Sykes. He's not your average Londoner; Arthur resides physically in Battersea but mentally inside his rich world of unusual pursuits. His home is a jumbled assortment of bizarre devices that he assembles and disassembles, according to his whims.

One of Arthur's eccentric invents includes turning his semi-detached house into a fully functioning replica of the Bailey courtroom where he recreates trials using an ensemble of life-sized dolls found lying around the house or retrieved from his mind-boggling collection, replacing the usual house furniture. This alternate universe inside the Groom household becomes a focal point of the story.

Playing Arthur's beleaguered father, Kirby, George Cole phenomenally captures the frustration of a conventional man beleaguered by an unconventional family. Kirby works as a mild-mannered insurance clerk, which provides a stark contrast to Arthur's idiosyncratic lifestyle. While he longs for a normal household, he struggles to rein in his son’s eccentric projects, becoming somewhat supportive, if baffled.

Julia Foster shines in her role as Kirby’s niece, Sylvia, who carries her individuality. Sylvia is inexplicably obsessed with the weights and measures, dedicating her time entirely to their study. Her character adds another comical hue to the movie, with her obsession adding hilarity in its randomness.

The storyline blooms when Arthur's obsessions attract the attention of two outsiders: Mr. Justice Prettymn, a judge, and Mr. Slattery, an entrepreneur. The Judge, portrayed by Jonathan Cecil, is intrigued by Arthur's courtroom replica, while Slattery, played by Michael Bates, believes he can turn a profit from Arthur's eccentricities, leading to a series of chaotic, laugh-out-loud moments.

'One Way Pendulum' also offers moments of sublime absurdity through its various secondary characters. Arthur’s mother, portrayed by Mona Washbourne, runs a boarding house accommodating a range of wacky tenants, adding more layers to the movie's comedic relief. The diverse roster of characters significantly contributes to the film's unique atmosphere and escalates the comedic potential.

The story believes in the principle of "let your imagination run wild," where realism takes a back seat, and splendid wackiness rules the road. Integrated comedy, clever screenplay, and ensemble performances, delivers an unforgettable comedy experience to its viewers.

Director Peter Yates, known for directing Bullitt and Breaking Away, delivers a joyful ride of cheerful British comedy with 'One Way Pendulum'. Yates admirably handles the challenge of converting Arthur's world from script to screen and manages to construct an unconventional, comedic opera of hilarity, showcasing it all within an authentic 1960s British ambiance.

The screenplay by N.F. Simpson, based on his own play, stands out through its whimsical script rich in randomness and absurdity. His inventive writing allows the viewer to accept every situation as plausible within the film's outlandish universe, and it’s truly the compelling writing that makes this classic worth watching.

In conclusion, One Way Pendulum is an extraordinary excursion into the mind of an eccentric Englishman. It's a rejoiceful ride filled with outlandish comedy, inventive scenarios, and eccentric characters brought to life by a talented and charismatic cast. Filled with quirky humor and delightful absurdities, 'One Way Pendulum' is an entertaining rebellion against traditional comedic mores, offering viewers the chance to embrace the unconventional world through its remarkable narrative and performances, making this film a classic that is cherished by fans of British comedy even after more than half a century.