Orders Are Orders (1954)

Six points out of ten would be a generous rating for this disappointing movie from Tony Hancock and Peter Sellers. However, it will doubtless prove of interest to their admirers, so I include it here. The movie-making background will also strengthen the movie's appeal, while the bevy of Martian-costumed starlets is definitely another point in the film's favor. Actually, both Hancock and Sellers are wasted in minor roles that allow them few opportunities to unveil their comic talents. Another disappointment lies in the script. True, it has some plot ideas that certainly sound promising, but it fails to back them up with witty lines. Most of all, however, the movie does not have a director with the necessary skill and finesse. Time and again, promising ideas are stymied by both poor timing and an inept choice of camera angles. Sloppy film editing is also of no help. Actually, the movie could have been at least partially salvaged by sharp editing. Brian Reece's role, for instance, is of little consequence and could be severely trimmed to advantage, and so, regrettably, could Mr. Sellers' role, plus almost all of that tiresome by-play about rat traps. Fortunately, almost all of Hancock's part is still worth retaining, and we like the music score. Photography is rather flat, and despite a fairish budget, the film seems destined for the lower half of double bills.

Fancy a good old fashioned British comedy about army life? Don't bother with this. If 'Orders Are Orders' is remembered for any reason at all, its for bringing together Tony Hancock ( whose first film this was ), Sid James, Eric Sykes, and Peter Sellers. Unfortunately, it manages to squander their talents. The script is completely lacking in humour. Hancock tried to see this at his local cinema one afternoon. A request for a front row seat was met with: "You can have the first fifteen rows if you like!".Directed by David Paltenghi, it tells the less-than hilarious story of a British army base which is invaded by an American film company wishing to make a low budget science fiction epic. Sid James is 'Ed Waggermeyer' the producer, and is chiefly responsible for what few laughs there are ( his American accent is very good ). He later called the film "a bit of a stinker!". The main role though is taken by Brian Reece, a charmless actor who exhibits no comic talent whatever.Things To Look Out For - the robot was later reused in an 'Avengers' episode called 'The See Through Man'.One of the writers, Geoffrey Orme, later wrote 'The Underwater Menace' for Patrick Troughton's 'Dr.Who', a story often regarded as the very worst ever ( though it made far more sense than the recently transmitted 'A Good Man Goes To War'! ).I love old British comedies, but this is impossible to recommend. Try the Boulting Brothers' 'Private's Progress' ( 1956 ) instead.

Who is Brian Reece? He's the star of 1954's "Orders Are Orders." He died in 1962. In this film he is ably supported by the often overlooked, but always invaluable, Raymond Huntley. So much for them."Orders are Orders" is about an army base is overrun by motion picture people making a cheap sci-fi flick about an invasion from outer space.Three show-biz legends have parts in the movie. First, Peter Sellers, just finding success on BBC radio's "The Goon Show." Then, Tony Hancock, who was soon to embark on his own radio series, and would go on to great fame on BBC television. Finally, Sid James, anchor of many "Carry On" movies.Hancock is the most disappointing. He bumbles around trying to act funny as a military band leader. He does have a few good moments, as when he tries to turn the march his band has been playing into a waltz.Sellers, on the other hand, is too restrained. Arguably the finest slapstick artist in movies since the silent era, Sellers' modus operandi is often to let characters and jokes develop slowly. In a 78-minute movie chock full of characters it seems unlikely a beginning movie actor in a supporting role would be allowed such latitude. His low-key performance can probably be chalked up to inexperience. It's too bad, because Sellers (still in his early, chunky period) can go high-octane.Sid James, perhaps because of his role as a flamboyant movie-maker, gives the film the charge it needs. He bustles through trying to steal every scene he's in, and mostly succeeding. From the moment he appears, every time he goes off-screen the movie starts to die.All three of these stars-to-be have significant if not above-title roles in "Orders are Orders." Their long-time fans may be disappointed, but it's worth seeing these young performers feeling their way to stardom that was waiting just around the corner.In all this, I have talked little about the film itself. There's not much to talk about. If it were not for the fact that three of its performers went on to major stardom, two on film and one on British television, this movie would probably never see the light of day. Fans of bad sci-fi might enjoy it for insight into the making of those pictures.Donald Pleasence and Eric Sykes have bit parts. Don't blink.

Military men marching pridefully and gloriously in the the morning sun, with delightful music played by the military orchestra, just getting ready to another hard working day at the army barracks, or are they? In the setting of the rising sun there is a big line of cars and trucks heading for the barracks, what are they doing here and who are they? The question is solved fast, and to the military mens big surprise its a film production company, who has planned to make a "big blockbuster" science fiction movie at the army barracks, but one commanding officer is distend to make it very difficult for the Hollywood film crew... and for then on, the movie just shows a cheap slice of comedy and a little bit of romance, and thats about it.What we do get out of this comedy is a thin storyline, and some decent funny characters, but not memorable. The funniest character is Peter Sellers, and he is probably the only one you will remember the most, when you have sat through this movie.One thing that was a little bit funny, was the movie they were filming in the movie, its funny because it looks like a Ed Wood production, very unimagined and just cheap. There is not one time where you believe its a making of a expensive science fiction movie, and just looking at the film crew playing "big time Hollywood stars" is so laughable... and by the way I have never seen a badder costume design for a Martian in a movie, since 'Ghidrah, the Three-Headed Monster' 1964, and that is pretty bad!See it if you are in a good laughing mood, if your sad its just sad to look at.