The Sandwich Man (1966 film)


The Sandwich Man is a 1966 British comedy film directed by Robert Hartford-Davis and written by Hartford-Davis and Michael Bentine. The film also stars Bentine, with support from Dora Bryan, Harry H. Corbett, Bernard Cribbins, Diana Dors, Norman Wisdom, Terry-Thomas, Ian Hendry and numerous other British character actors.

Plot synopsis

Bentine takes the leading role, playing Horace Quilby, a mild-mannered widower living in the London Docklands. His job as a sandwich-board man requires him to wander around London wearing morning dress and carrying advertisements. He is also secretary of the Sandwichmen's Brotherhood. But his real interest in life is pigeon racing, especially 'Esmerelda', who is racing from Bordeaux to London.
During the course of one day, Quilby encounters a host of eccentric characters, who are played by some of Britain's best known comedy and character actors, and becomes involved in a series of capers. The main story thread sees Quilby reunite Sue, a young model, with her errant boyfriend Steven.
Esmerelda wins her race, and the whole of Quilby's neighbourhood join in the celebrations.

Cast

The film was the second in a short lived series of co productions between the NFFC and Rank.

Reception

The film was poorly received at the time of its release, critically and commercially, but has since achieved some attention especially for its backdrop of London in the Swinging Sixties.