🥛 The Early Bird (1965) – A British Comedy Classic Featuring Norman Wisdom at His Best
The Early Bird is a delightful 1965 British comedy film starring the legendary Norman Wisdom. Directed by Robert Asher, this film showcases the best of Wisdom's slapstick humor and underdog charm. With its combination of physical comedy, witty dialogue, and heartfelt moments, The Early Bird is a beloved entry in the golden era of British cinema.
Norman Wisdom, a household name in British comedy, plays Norman Pitkin, a bumbling but well-meaning milkman who works for a small, old-fashioned dairy called Grimsdale Dairy. His idyllic, simple world is turned upside down when a massive milk conglomerate, Consolidated Dairies, attempts a hostile takeover of the family business. Norman, fiercely loyal to his employer and armed only with his vintage milk cart and an indomitable spirit, decides to fight back against the corporate giant in the only way he knows how—through sheer stubbornness and hilariously chaotic resistance.
The film captures the David-vs-Goliath struggle of a small man facing off against modern capitalism. It’s a comedic tale that’s timeless in its message but filled with uniquely 1960s British flavor. From zany milk float chases through London to Norman’s comical clashes with posh executives, The Early Bird provides non-stop laughs and moments of genuine heart.
🎭 Plot Summary:
Norman Pitkin, a cheerful and clumsy milkman, begins his day at the crack of dawn, faithfully delivering milk for Grimsdale Dairy, a small traditional company that still uses horse-drawn milk carts. Norman’s life revolves around his routine, his beloved horse Nellie, and his employer, Mr. Grimsdale.
Trouble brews when Consolidated Dairies, a modern and aggressive milk distribution company, aims to buy out or eliminate all competition—including Grimsdale. They resort to underhanded tactics to drive the little dairy out of business, but they underestimate Norman’s resolve.
Norman’s stubborn loyalty leads him into a series of uproarious encounters: slapstick scuffles with rival milkmen, a hilarious courtroom scene, and even a wild chase involving fire hoses and milk carts. At every turn, Norman’s antics unintentionally disrupt Consolidated's operations.
Despite the chaos, Norman becomes a local hero. Through a combination of courage, chaos, and compassion, he stands up to the bullies and ultimately inspires others to fight back in their own way.
🧑🤝🧑 Cast:
Norman Wisdom as Norman Pitkin
Edward Chapman as Mr. Grimsdale
Jerry Desmonde as H. G. Hunt (the villainous exec from Consolidated Dairies)
Penny Morrell as Margery Grimsdale
David Lodge as Fred
Bryan Pringle as Philpots
Patsy Rowlands as Miss Curry
The Early Bird is a delightful 1965 British comedy film starring the legendary Norman Wisdom. Directed by Robert Asher, this film showcases the best of Wisdom's slapstick humor and underdog charm. With its combination of physical comedy, witty dialogue, and heartfelt moments, The Early Bird is a beloved entry in the golden era of British cinema.
Norman Wisdom, a household name in British comedy, plays Norman Pitkin, a bumbling but well-meaning milkman who works for a small, old-fashioned dairy called Grimsdale Dairy. His idyllic, simple world is turned upside down when a massive milk conglomerate, Consolidated Dairies, attempts a hostile takeover of the family business. Norman, fiercely loyal to his employer and armed only with his vintage milk cart and an indomitable spirit, decides to fight back against the corporate giant in the only way he knows how—through sheer stubbornness and hilariously chaotic resistance.
The film captures the David-vs-Goliath struggle of a small man facing off against modern capitalism. It’s a comedic tale that’s timeless in its message but filled with uniquely 1960s British flavor. From zany milk float chases through London to Norman’s comical clashes with posh executives, The Early Bird provides non-stop laughs and moments of genuine heart.
🎭 Plot Summary:
Norman Pitkin, a cheerful and clumsy milkman, begins his day at the crack of dawn, faithfully delivering milk for Grimsdale Dairy, a small traditional company that still uses horse-drawn milk carts. Norman’s life revolves around his routine, his beloved horse Nellie, and his employer, Mr. Grimsdale.
Trouble brews when Consolidated Dairies, a modern and aggressive milk distribution company, aims to buy out or eliminate all competition—including Grimsdale. They resort to underhanded tactics to drive the little dairy out of business, but they underestimate Norman’s resolve.
Norman’s stubborn loyalty leads him into a series of uproarious encounters: slapstick scuffles with rival milkmen, a hilarious courtroom scene, and even a wild chase involving fire hoses and milk carts. At every turn, Norman’s antics unintentionally disrupt Consolidated's operations.
Despite the chaos, Norman becomes a local hero. Through a combination of courage, chaos, and compassion, he stands up to the bullies and ultimately inspires others to fight back in their own way.
🧑🤝🧑 Cast:
Norman Wisdom as Norman Pitkin
Edward Chapman as Mr. Grimsdale
Jerry Desmonde as H. G. Hunt (the villainous exec from Consolidated Dairies)
Penny Morrell as Margery Grimsdale
David Lodge as Fred
Bryan Pringle as Philpots
Patsy Rowlands as Miss Curry
Category
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Short film