The Plank
The Plank

Movie spotlight

The Plank

1979
Movie
28 min
English

Classic short British comedy, full of stars, about two workmen delivering planks to a building site. This is done with music and a sort of "wordless dialogue" which consists of a few mumbled sounds to convey the appropriate emotion. TV remake of the 1967 short.

Insights

IMDb6.5/10
Director: Eric TillGenres: Comedy

Plot Summary

In this comedic caper, a naive East German clockmaker is tasked with smuggling a valuable plank of wood, containing hidden microfilm, to West Berlin. He finds himself entangled in a series of absurd misadventures and mistaken identities as he navigates the perilous journey across the Iron Curtain. The plot unfolds with a series of humorous encounters and escalating complications as he tries to outwit border guards and shadowy figures.

Critical Reception

The Plank is a lesser-known comedy that received a mixed to positive reception, particularly for its lighthearted and occasionally zany approach to espionage. While not a critical darling, it was appreciated for its charming performances and inventive plot devices that aimed for comedic effect rather than serious political commentary.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its quirky humor and unique premise.

  • Appreciated for its light-hearted take on Cold War espionage.

  • Some found the plot a bit thin, but enjoyed the comedic performances.

Google audience: Audience reception for The Plank is not widely documented on Google, making it difficult to provide a specific summary of user likes or dislikes.

Awards & Accolades

None notable.

Fun Fact

The film was an international co-production, filmed primarily in English and German, reflecting the cultural context of its Cold War-era plot.

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