The Bulldog Breed

The Bulldog Breed from 1960 is a delightful and entertaining British comedy film directed by Robert Asher. Produced by the Rank Organisation, the film stars the incomparable comic genius Norman Wisdom, along with Ian Hunter, David Lodge, and a young Joan Sims. The script is penned by Henry Blyth, Jack Davies, and Norman Wisdom himself. The blend of comic timing, engaging storyline, and the energetic performances by all actors make The Bulldog Breed an absolute classic, through and through.

The film features Wisdom in his much-loved role of a hapless underdog named Norman Puckle, a nave and enthusiastic character who viewers cannot help but sympathise with and root for. Puckle is a small-town lover boy, who gets his heart broken when his girlfriend refuses his marriage proposal. Feeling rejected and dejected, Puckle tries to end his life, only to be pulled back from oblivion by a Navy Petty Officer, portrayed by Ian Hunter.

Puckle then decides to enlist in the Navy in an attempt to overcome his desolation. From here, the film unfolds into a series of hilarious situations and comedic adventures as Puckle attempts to adjust to the disciplined life of naval training. From scene to scene, viewers are guaranteed hearty laughs as Puckle bumbles his way through basic training, barely seeming to make sense of the military rigour.

Wisdom’s portrayal of Puckle is utterly charming, and his physical comedy will leave viewers in splits. Whether he's trying to march in step with much taller shipmates, or saluting in all the wrong places, Wisdom’s kinetic style of comedy is consistently endearing.

Ian Hunter as the Navy Petty Officer who instigates Puckle's naval career is excellent in his supporting role. He brings in a gruff but mild mannered humour in his character that is complementary to the overall storyline. David Lodge is another commendable actor who shines in the role of a weather-beaten sailor with a heart of gold.

A particularly interesting aspect of The Bulldog Breed is that it presents one of the earliest cinematic appearances of Oliver Reed. Reed appears as one of the Navy extras, adding a touch of trivia for those fans who like to pick out and recognise famous faces before they became well-known.

Another refreshing feature of this film is its showcasing of the 1960’s British Naval life. The film narrates an entertaining tale without the theme of war dictating the storyline. It serves up fun, comedy-drama and leaves the viewer with amusing anecdotes about naval life, making it a distinctive cinematic work that diverges from the usual war-time films or sophisticated spy thrillers of that era.

Romance is also woven subtly into the fabric of the film, as the young and winsome Joan Sims comes into Puckle's life, injecting a softened charm into the hard-knock life of the Navy. The chemistry between Wisdom and Sims adds a touch of sweetness to the narrative, counteracting the rampant slapstick with moments of endearing tenderness.

The film is not just laughter; it is rich with aesthetic portrayals too. The cinematographer Jack Asher captures the sequences with a distinct clarity which makes the comedy visually appealing. The set designs and meticulous attention to detail, bringing to life the era of the 1960's British Navy, contribute to the film's timeless classic status.

In The Bulldog Breed, the unique talents and strengths of director Robert Asher and lead actor Norman Wisdom come together to deliver a timeless comedy masterpiece. It is one film that, despite the passage of more than half a century, is never disappointing or forgettable. The film showcases Wisdom's exceptional comedic talent in a naval setting filled with hilarious situations, slapstick comedy, and a dash of romance, making it worth watching for all fans of classic British comedy cinema.