The Bulldog Breed

Plot

Norman Puckle, a well-meaning but clumsy grocer's assistant, cannot seem to do anything right. After being rejected by his love, he attempts suicide but is saved by a Royal Navy petty officer, who persuades him to join the Navy. Life in the Navy proves difficult, and Puckle fails at every task during basic training.

Despite this, the Admiral in charge of a rocket project considers him a typical average British sailor and chooses him to be the first man into outer space. Puckle's training is shambolic, and he is court-martialled, but pleads for a final chance. By accident, he takes an astronaut's place, crash-lands on a Pacific island, and ends up with a compliant local maiden.

Production notes

Norman Wisdom had just made his first movie outside the Rank Organisation, There Was a Crooked Man, then returned to Rank for this film with his regular producer, Hugh Stewart, and director, Bob Asher. Filming started 4 July 1960 at Weymouth. The film features early appearances by Michael Caine and Oliver Reed, as well as future Coronation Street actors Johnny Briggs and William Roache in small roles. The Royal Navy co-operated, and several Type 14 Blackwood-class frigates appear, including HMS Murray (F91) leading a flotilla out of Portland harbour.

Critical reception

The Monthly Film Bulletin called the film a naval farce that ought never to have put to sea, noting the best scene involves Norman Wisdom imprisoned in an over-inflated diving-suit, perhaps the only genuinely funny scene. Variety wrote that the film stands or falls by Wisdom, who seems to try too hard but carries through with good humour and energy, supported by capable performers like Ian Hunter as the pompous admiral and Edward Chapman as an even more pompous character. The Radio Times Guide to Films gave 2/5 stars, stating the fun lies in brief appearances by Michael Caine and Oliver Reed playing second fiddle, and that Wisdom is not at his best. Filmink noted two extended sequences—mountaineering and outer space—that feel written for other vehicles, calling the film tiresome but popular.

Did You Know?

• The film was a hit at the box office; Kinematograph Weekly called it a money maker in 1961.
• In February 1961 Kinematograph Weekly reported the film ended its London runs well and truly in the money.
• The Navy lark didn't please the eggheads, but the masses and kids laughed their heads off.