JohnHowardReid Six points out of ten would be a generous rating for this disappointing movie from Tony Hancock and Peter Sellers. However, it will doubtless prove of interest to their admirers, so I include it here. The movie-making background will also strengthen the movie's appeal, while the bevy of Martian-costumed starlets is definitely another point in the film's favor. Actually, both Hancock and Sellers are wasted in minor roles that allow them few opportunities to unveil their comic talents. Another disappointment lies in the script. True, it has some plot ideas that certainly sound promising, but it fails to back them up with witty lines. Most of all, however, the movie does not have a director with the necessary skill and finesse. Time and again, promising ideas are stymied by both poor timing and an inept choice of camera angles. Sloppy film editing is also of no help. Actually, the movie could have been at least partially salvaged by sharp editing. Brian Reece's role, for instance, is of little consequence and could be severely trimmed to advantage, and so, regrettably, could Mr. Sellers' role, plus almost all of that tiresome by-play about rat traps. Fortunately, almost all of Hancock's part is still worth retaining, and we like the music score. Photography is rather flat, and despite a fairish budget, the film seems destined for the lower half of double bills.

malcolmgsw This is a remake of the 1934 film made by Gaumont British starring James Gleason and Charlotte Greenwood.Not exactly star but actors with substantial careers on the American stage and screen.This film has a very similar script and no American stars.However it has three iconic comedy actors,James,Hancock and Sellars.However they are all defeated by the script.Hancock seems to be enjoying himself I charge of the army band.James is wildly unconvincing as the American director,and Sellers has a small part ad a bar steward.There are a lot of familiar faces such as Raymond Huntley in supporting roles,however this is is definitely a film to miss.

ShadeGrenade Fancy a good old fashioned British comedy about army life? Don't bother with this. If 'Orders Are Orders' is remembered for any reason at all, its for bringing together Tony Hancock ( whose first film this was ), Sid James, Eric Sykes, and Peter Sellers. Unfortunately, it manages to squander their talents. The script is completely lacking in humour. Hancock tried to see this at his local cinema one afternoon. A request for a front row seat was met with: "You can have the first fifteen rows if you like!".Directed by David Paltenghi, it tells the less-than hilarious story of a British army base which is invaded by an American film company wishing to make a low budget science fiction epic. Sid James is 'Ed Waggermeyer' the producer, and is chiefly responsible for what few laughs there are ( his American accent is very good ). He later called the film "a bit of a stinker!". The main role though is taken by Brian Reece, a charmless actor who exhibits no comic talent whatever.Things To Look Out For - the robot was later reused in an 'Avengers' episode called 'The See Through Man'.One of the writers, Geoffrey Orme, later wrote 'The Underwater Menace' for Patrick Troughton's 'Dr.Who', a story often regarded as the very worst ever ( though it made far more sense than the recently transmitted 'A Good Man Goes To War'! ).I love old British comedies, but this is impossible to recommend. Try the Boulting Brothers' 'Private's Progress' ( 1956 ) instead.

Spikeopath A run of the mill army barracks in Bilchester is overrun by a film company planning to make a Z grade science fiction movie. All seems to being going well as the pretty lady actors have the barracks in a tizzy and get the soldiers to play a part. That is until the Divisional Commander turns up for one of his inspections.Tho far from being at the top of the cast list, this sub-standard remake of a 1933 film of the same name is of interest to see the names Peter Sellers, Sid James & Tony Hancock in the same movie. However, the truth is is that it's a poor movie that is directed badly by David Paltenghi and the source material really doesn't transfer well to the screen. Based on a play written by Ian Hay in 1932, the makers seems to think that by weaving chaotic scenes with chaotic shouty dialogue that that is going to make for a mirthful movie. It doesn't.Released to DVD in 2007 as part of a collection called Long Lost Comedy Classics, this is easily the weakest of the set. Other titles in the collection are Miss Robin Hood, John & Julie, Make Me An Offer, The Love Match and the quite brilliant Time Gentlemen Please!. Orders Are Orders smacks of being a "set filler" and exists purely because of the names attached to it (Brian Reece, Margot Grahame & Raymond Huntley also star). 3/10 for Huntley's efforts and James' bizarre American accent