On the Fiddle (1961)

On the Fiddle Poster

Tricked into joining the RAF by a wily judge, wide boy Horace Pope sets his sights on the main chance, teams with slow-witted, good-hearted gypsy Pedlar Pascoe, and works up a lucrative racket in conning both his colleagues and the RAF. By means of various devious schemes Pope and Pascoe manage to avoid the front lines until they are sent to France - where they find themselves making unexpected and uncomfortably close contact with the enemy.

Overview
"On the Fiddle" is a 1961 British war funny movie directed by Cyril Frankel and based on the novel "Stop at Nothing" by Robert Storey. The lead functions are skillfully played by Sean Connery and Alfred Lynch. They play Pedlar Pascoe and Horace Pope, two British scam artist whose cunning antics find an unwary playground in the British military throughout World War II.

Plot Summary
The film follows the naughty and amusing shenanigans of Pedlar Pascoe (Sean Connery) and Horace Pope (Alfred Lynch). Pedlar and Horace are two guys who prefer to live on their wits instead of adhere to order. In a paradoxical twist, conniving Horace is attempting to evade being prepared into the military, however in a plan to con cash, he accidentally signs both himself and Pedlar into the service. The Army ends up being their supreme platform filled with unsuspecting victims for their conniving plans.

Characters
Connery's character, Pedlar Pascoe, is a loveable rogue-- a wise and cunning trickster who constantly appears to arrive on his feet. In contrast, Alfred Lynch's character, Horace Pope, is the gullible and less confident partner who frequently gets them into difficult situations due to his nativity.

Funny Exploits
Throughout the movie, Pedlar and Horace's frauds become gradually audacious however funny in the military environment. They offer army supplies in black markets, pretend to be officers, and even dupe their superiors. One of their most notable rip-offs includes the pair selling NAAFI products and setting up trips across the English Channel for civilians. All the while, they handle to avoid being captured by their suspicious, however in some way constantly misdirected, military higher-ups.

Advancement of Characters
Regardless of their endless mischief, the characters of Pedlar and Horace go through a considerable transformation in the course of the film. As they are moved more detailed to the war's front lines, they start to comprehend the extreme reality of war and the severe responsibility they carry as soldiers. They mature and realize that their con video games can't last permanently. The make the regard of their peers and alter their methods after a heart-wrenching encounter with a young German soldier, culminating in an unanticipated brave act that earns them Military Medals.

Conclusion
"On the Fiddle" provides a special mix of comedy and war that showcases Sean Connery and Alfred Lynch's acting expertise in an intriguing light. The film is packed with satire and humor, making it an entertaining watch. Though launched in 1961, the movie's story stays relevant with its styles of survival, change, and unforeseen heroism. By the end, the viewer is entrusted a better understanding of its message: that even in the direst scenarios, there are constantly chances for redemption, showing the beauty of the human spirit.

Top Cast

  • Alfred Lynch (small)
    Alfred Lynch
    Horace Pope
  • Sean Connery (small)
    Sean Connery
    Pedlar Pascoe
  • Cecil Parker (small)
    Cecil Parker
    Group Capt. Bascombe
  • Stanley Holloway (small)
    Stanley Holloway
    Mr. Cooksley
  • Alan King (small)
    Alan King
    Top Sgt. Buzzer
  • Eric Barker (small)
    Eric Barker
    Doctor
  • Barbara Windsor (small)
    Barbara Windsor
    Mavis
  • Bill Owen (small)
    Bill Owen
    Cpl. Gittens
  • John Le Mesurier (small)
    John Le Mesurier
    Hixon
  • Kathleen Harrison (small)
    Kathleen Harrison
    Mrs. Cooksley
  • Wilfrid Hyde-White (small)
    Wilfrid Hyde-White
    Trowbridge