Press for Time

Press for Time is a classic British comedy film from the mid-1960s, featuring the inimitable Norman Wisdom, who was considered one of the beloved figures of British comedy at the time. Directed by Robert Asher, the screenplay for Press for Time was inspired by the novel Yea Yea Yea by the celebrated sports journalist, Vincent Mulchrone.

In this film, Wisdom plays the part of Norman Shields, a charming but hapless photographer for a bustling local newspaper. The character displays classic 'little guy' traits that were a hallmark of Wisdom's renowned comedy persona – Norman is well-intentioned, but invariably lands up in sticky situations due to his habit of rushing into things without thinking them through completely.

Wisdom's character is initially based in London but moves to the sleepy seaside town of Tinmouth after a series of hilarious adventures involving politicians, debutantes, and a whimsically string of misunderstandings, due to which Norman gets assigned there by the paper.

At Tinmouth, Norman interacts with a crowd of idiosyncratic characters, including a stern, no-nonsense mayor portrayed by Derek Bond, and a savvy, lands' rights campaigner and love interest played by Angela Browne. The bulk of the film's plot unfolds in this coastal town, reflecting the unique blend of satire and slapstick comedy characteristic of British cinema from this period. Wisdom's physical comedy, including pratfalls and sight gags, is especially on point throughout the film.

The very essence of Press for Time lies in the comedic tone it sets with Wisdom's character, who disrupts the usual, slow-paced life of Tinmouth with his madcap antics. The comedy is enhanced further with the introduction of three additional roles Wisdom takes on, playing the parts of Norman's grandmother, mother, and a cousin. The effect of these multiple roles is to underscore the comical chaos that Norman invariably instigates wherever he goes and whomever he interacts with.

Among the film's most enduring features is its satirical commentary on societal beliefs and norms. It takes a light-hearted jab at the workings of local politics and the British class system – things that were very much relevant during the film's production in the mid-1960s. The depiction of the town's power dynamics, achieved through comic representation and high spirited performance, not only makes the film entertaining but also provides a thought-provoking commentary on the prevailing social order.

The charming seaside town of Tinmouth forms the perfect backdrop to Norman's misadventures. Meanwhile, the fast-paced lively entertainment of London, which opens the movie, helps contrast the pace of life in rural and urban areas, leading to even more comedic situations.

Derek Bond's characterisation as the pompous mayor effectively offsets Wisdom's characteristic haplessness. Angela Browne, as a surprisingly modern, activist woman for the time, offsets the chaos with moments of warmth and romance. These contrasts, along with Wisdom's other characters, make for dynamic interaction and keeps the audience engaged.

Despite being a comedy, Press for Time does not shy away from presenting nuanced scenarios and relationships. The emotional undertones presented in Wisdom's varied roles, especially his portrayal as the more maternal characters, add a layer of depth and the occasional tug at the heartstrings amid all the comedy.

Press for Time is engaging, chock-full of gags with an undercurrent of satire that creates a memorable viewing experience. The uniqueness of Wisdom's different roles is pivotal to the character development and the overall unfolding of the outrageous sequences. These elements give it a classically British flavour; quaint, quirky, and ironic.

Overall, Press for Time is a light-hearted comedy filled with controlled chaos, charm, and honest humour, all while subtly reflecting on societal norms. Both devoted fans of Norman Wisdom and those discovering his work for the first time will find themselves thoroughly entertained by this classic British comedy.