Watch The Night We Got the Bird

The Night We Got the Bird is a charming comedy written by John Chapman, which was released in 1961. The film stars Brian Rix, Dora Bryan, and Ronald Shiner, who are all well-known British actors of their time. This movie is a delightful and hilarious romp that will have you laughing from beginning to end. The storyline is set in a small English village where Captain William Horatio Ambrose (Brian Rix) is on the brink of financial ruin. He has just taken over the failing Ambrose estate and is in desperate need of money to make it profitable again. Fortunately, he has just acquired a rare and valuable bird, a Cerulean Paradise Flycatcher, which he plans to sell at a local auction to raise the necessary funds.

As luck would have it, on the night before the auction, Captain Ambrose's loyal but incompetent staff accidentally lose the bird. Now, with the auction approaching, they must find a suitable replacement to fool the wealthy bidders. This leads to a series of outrageous and hilarious events, as they set out to catch a bird, any bird, that will fool the wealthy auction-goers.

Meanwhile, the local gossip, Mrs. Dora Crump (Dora Bryan), has gotten wind of the Captain's financial troubles and is spreading rumors throughout the village. She is convinced that he is about to lose the estate and is doing everything in her power to make it happen. However, things take a surprising turn when she discovers the truth behind the Captain's plan to sell the rare bird.

Throughout the film, the characters are constantly getting themselves into precarious situations, both comical and absurd. This is particularly true for Captain Ambrose, who is constantly trying to keep his cool and maintain his dignity, even as the chaos around him continues to escalate. His loyal servants are always trying to help, but they only seem to make things worse, leading to a brilliant and hilarious climax that will leave you in stitches.

One of the standout performances in the film is by Dora Bryan, who plays Mrs. Dora Crump, the gossip of the village. She is an accomplished comic actress and her portrayal of the nosy and pushy busybody is spot on. She steals every scene she is in, and her interactions with the other characters are some of the most amusing moments of the film.

Another notable performance is by Ronald Shiner, who plays the Captain's butler, Harold. He is a classic British comedy actor and his portrayal of the bumbling, yet lovable servant is perfect. He provides a lot of the physical comedy in the film and his timing is impeccable.

The movie is directed by Darcy Conyers, who does an excellent job of keeping the pace brisk and the humor constant. He is able to balance the absurdity of the situations with the sincerity of the characters, resulting in a comedy that is both hilarious and heartwarming.

The Night We Got the Bird is a classic British comedy that is both funny and endearing. It has all the hallmarks of a great comedy; witty dialogue, absurd situations, and a talented cast. You'll find yourself rooting for Captain Ambrose as he tries desperately to save his estate, and you'll be laughing along with the characters as they stumble through their ludicrous predicaments. It is a delightful film that will leave you feeling happy and entertained from start to finish.