Watch One Way Pendulum

One Way Pendulum is a British comedy from 1965 that tells the story of the eccentric and dysfunctional family of William Finch (played by Eric Sykes) and his wife, Edna (played by Kathleen Harrison). The couple has one son, Trevor (played by George Cole), who seems to be the only responsible member of the family, as he works as a clerk at a local solicitor's office. The movie follows the family as they try to make money through various schemes and eccentric pursuits, culminating in a visit to a famous art gallery.

The central theme of the movie is the family's obsession with money and status. William is obsessed with money, often telling his wife and son to be "money-minded" and inventing bizarre schemes to make a quick buck. For example, he tries to create a perpetual motion machine, which he believes will win him the Nobel Prize and make him rich. Meanwhile, Edna is obsessed with status, constantly nagging her husband to social climb and become more refined.

Trevor, however, is more level-headed and practical. He is in love with a co-worker named Joy (played by Julia Foster) and dreams of marrying her and building a stable life together. However, his dreams are threatened by the constant shenanigans of his family, who are always getting into trouble and making a mess of things.

Despite its comedic tone, One Way Pendulum is a dark satire on the obsession with money and status that was prevalent in British society at the time. The family's schemes and pursuits are absurd, but they also reflect the desperation and anxiety of the era, as people struggled to make ends meet and achieve social mobility.

The movie's cast is excellent, with Eric Sykes and Kathleen Harrison delivering standout performances as the neurotic and eccentric couple. George Cole is also great as the straight-laced Trevor, while Julia Foster brings warmth and charm to her role as Joy.

One Way Pendulum is directed by Peter Yates, who would later go on to direct such classics as Bullitt and Breaking Away. The movie's visual style is simple but effective, with a focus on close-ups and tight framing that heightens the sense of claustrophobia and unease that permeates the film.

Overall, One Way Pendulum is a charming and entertaining comedy with a sharp satirical edge. Its themes are as relevant today as they were in 1965, making it a timeless piece of cinema that still has something to say about society and human nature.