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Over in France, Private Lurk bumbles across the German plan
of attack. How can he get it back to British Headquarters?
How indeed?
The map is tattooed on his buttocks.
Many people become interested in what's lurking under Lurk's
pants: Maid Fanny (Madelaine Smith), the famous spy Mata Hari
(Zsa Zsa Gabor) and even a German General, Von Gutz (Lance
Percival).
Up the Front is a very good vehicle for the talents of Frankie
Howerd and for his fans it provides excellent entertainment.
Director Bob Kellett moves the production along at a brisk
pace, which helps cover some of the thinner elements in the
script. Stanley Holloway, Bill Fraser, Dora Bryan (as Cora
Crumpington) and the rest of the supporting cast 'do their
bit' well. Look out for Bob Hoskins as the Recruiting Sergeant.
Visually the film captures the WWI atmosphere with the liberal
use of popular posters of the time. The soundtrack also evokes
the period with a music hall style.
Frankie Howard stars in a lively television series as a wily
servant and this theme carries on to a spin-off feature 'Up
Pompei' and provides two sequels 'Up the Chastity Belt' and
'Up the Front'.
The television series is a classic; the films are not. However,
if you want undemanding relaxation with a bit of a titter
you could do worse than Up the Front.
Conclusion: Movie 70% Extras 0%
Continued: DVD
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