Please note: This review is by a grouchy American who did NOT grow up watching Norman Wisdom on television or in film. Therefore, this actor does not hold the sentimental charm that he obviously does for Brits or those who grew up behind the old Iron Curtain. Because of that, I did not have the same predisposition to love Mr. Wisdom. And, unlike some of the other reviewers, I don't really see the comparison with Chaplin or Lloyd, though I did see a lot in common with Jerry Lewis. In fact, most of his antics seemed very, very forced--not artful like Lloyd or Chaplin. But who am I to say, as Mr. Wisdom has been knighted and is a British institution--an institution that most Americans just won't understand. Of course, the same can be said for American football and $5 cups of coffee from Starbucks--things Brits and most others really can't understand as well.
Now this isn't to say that I hated TROUBLE IN STORE, I just didn't see it as magical as most other reviewers did. It's a pleasant little diversion about a very klutzy guy (Wisdom) and his many, many mistakes on his job at a department store. In many ways, he reminds me of Curious George, actually, as every time he messes up, it all turns out well in the end. I almost expected people to say "good monkey" at several points during the movie. The only problem is that there was just little subtlety about the film and Norman's behaviors became a bit tiresome--no one is THAT klutzy. As a result, I really can't recommend the film--at least unless you have a real high threshold for this sort of humor.
By the way, Margaret Rutherford's charming supporting role as a shoplifter seems to have possibly inspired Helen Hayes' role in AIRPORT. Both feature larcenous cute old ladies to add color to the films.
Now this isn't to say that I hated TROUBLE IN STORE, I just didn't see it as magical as most other reviewers did. It's a pleasant little diversion about a very klutzy guy (Wisdom) and his many, many mistakes on his job at a department store. In many ways, he reminds me of Curious George, actually, as every time he messes up, it all turns out well in the end. I almost expected people to say "good monkey" at several points during the movie. The only problem is that there was just little subtlety about the film and Norman's behaviors became a bit tiresome--no one is THAT klutzy. As a result, I really can't recommend the film--at least unless you have a real high threshold for this sort of humor.
By the way, Margaret Rutherford's charming supporting role as a shoplifter seems to have possibly inspired Helen Hayes' role in AIRPORT. Both feature larcenous cute old ladies to add color to the films.