The Plank
The Plank

Movie spotlight

The Plank

1967
Movie
55 min
English

A slapstick comedy 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.

Insights

IMDb7.1/10
Director: Eric SykesGenres: Comedy, Short

Plot Summary

In this silent comedy short, a group of hapless individuals attempts to carry a large plank of wood through various urban obstacles. Their struggles are compounded by their own ineptitude and the interference of others, leading to a series of increasingly absurd and slapstick situations. The film relies entirely on visual gags and physical comedy to tell its story.

Critical Reception

The Plank is widely regarded as a classic of British silent comedy, celebrated for its inventive visual gags and the physical performances of its cast. While it didn't receive major critical acclaim upon release, its enduring popularity and status as a cult favorite among comedy enthusiasts speak to its success.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its pure, unadulterated slapstick.

  • Commended for its clever use of everyday objects for comedic effect.

  • Appreciated for its simple yet effective visual storytelling.

Google audience: Audience reviews often highlight the film's timeless humor and its ability to generate laughs through simple, well-executed physical comedy, making it a rewatchable favorite for many.

Fun Fact

The entire film was shot without dialogue, relying solely on visual gags and sound effects to convey the narrative and humor.

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My Review

TMDB Reviews

1 reviews
CinemaSerf

CinemaSerf

Many of us will have seen loads of films where the acting is wooden - but here, it is meant to be! Eric Sykes assembles a reasonable cast of stalwart British comics to regale us us with the adventures of the humble plank! Together with Tomm...