Pop star Jeep Jackson is conscripted into the British army. He tries to continue his recording career while still undergoing training on camp. When a different J. Jackson materialises the paltoon takes the opportunity to post Jeep to the Outer Hebrides to remove his disruptive impact from the camp.
When a group of soldiers go to the cinema in the film, they go to see The Cockleshell Heroes (1955), in which Newley was an actor.
The original novel, described by The Observer as "very funny",[4] concerned an intellectual in the army, rather than a pop singer.[5]
Filming began on 10 November 1958.[6] It was the first time William Bendix had worked in England.[7]
Music
It was the first time Newley sang in a film. Four of the five songs from the soundtrack made the top 20,[8] with "I've Waited So Long", reaching No. 3 in the UK chart.[9][10] "I got a bigger kick out of being on the hit parade than anything I've ever done," said Newley.[11]
Critical reception
The Monthly Film Bulletin wrote: "The theme of a popular performer drafted into the Army strikes a topical note, but it is worked out here along the broadest and most predictable lines. Anthony Newley works hard against trite material, and apart from isolated bright moments the film is simply a waste of good comedy talent."[12]
Variety called it "a straightforward army farce ... pure corn".[13]
In British Sound Films: The Studio Years 1928–1959David Quinlan rated the film as "average", writing: "Makeshift comedy has good pop songs (notably two by Gerry Laudan and Len Preverman) that helped make Newley a star."[14]
References
^"Idol on Parade". British Film Institute Collections Search. Retrieved 1 February 2024.
^Antrobus, John (2002). Surviving Spike Milligan: A Voyage Through the Mind & Mirth of the Master Goon. London: Robson Books. ISBN0-246-12275-7. p. 44
^Director Permits Discussion Period: Actors Argue 'Philadelphian;' Bendix Cast With British Star Scheuer, Philip K. Los Angeles Times 12 Nov 1958: C11.
^Newley's World Not About to Stop Scheuer, Philip K. Los Angeles Times 11 June 1967: n14.
^PERSONAL, PLEASE: Anthony Newley States His Theater Credo PERSONAL, PLEASE Anthony Newley Discusses His Views About Present-Day Theater By JOHN S. WILSON. The New York Times 30 September 1962: X1.
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