Watch There Was a Crooked Man

There Was a Crooked Man is a British comedy film from 1960 directed by Stuart Burge and starring Norman Wisdom, Alfred Marks, and Andrew Cruickshank. The movie tells the story of a man named Norman Pitkin, who wants to escape from his mundane life as a delivery boy and become a window dresser at a prestigious department store. One day, he pretends to be a wealthy businessman to impress his girlfriend's father, but things quickly spiral out of control as he gets caught up in a series of hilarious misadventures.

The movie opens with Norman working as a delivery boy for a London department store. He dreams of being a window dresser and tells his girlfriend, Brenda, about his aspirations. Brenda's father, Colonel Pemberton, is a wealthy businessman who doesn't approve of Norman and wants Brenda to marry someone more respectable. In an effort to impress the Colonel, Norman pretends to be a wealthy businessman from America. The Colonel is taken in by Norman's ruse and invites him to join the family on their upcoming holiday to Spain.

Once in Spain, Norman's lies continue to spiral out of control. He pretends to be an expert in art, wine, and flamenco dancing, all the while trying to impress Brenda and her father. Meanwhile, he becomes entangled in a series of mishaps and misunderstandings involving mistaken identities, jewel thieves, and even bullfighting.

Norman's antics reach a climax when he is mistaken for a famous matador and forced to participate in a bullfight. With the help of a friendly dwarf named Pedro, Norman manages to escape the ring and reunite with Brenda and her father. In the end, Norman's lies are exposed, but he wins the Colonel's respect and sets off on a new adventure as a window dresser.

There Was a Crooked Man is a classic Norman Wisdom comedy, full of slapstick humor, physical comedy, and witty one-liners. Wisdom's performance as Norman Pitkin is both endearing and hilarious, capturing the character's naiveté, charm, and comedic timing. Alfred Marks and Andrew Cruickshank provide solid support as Brenda's father and Pedro, respectively, while the rest of the cast delivers memorable performances.

The movie is set against the backdrop of bustling London and picturesque Spain, featuring stunning scenery and lively musical numbers. The energetic score, composed by Stanley Black, adds to the film's playful mood, accentuating the comedic moments and heightening the tension during the more dramatic scenes.

Overall, There Was a Crooked Man is a delightful comedy that showcases Norman Wisdom at his best. It's a lighthearted romp filled with memorable characters, hilarious situations, and plenty of laughs. Whether you're a fan of classic British comedies or just looking for a good laugh, this movie is sure to entertain.