On the Fiddle
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.
Insights
Plot Summary
During World War II, a lazy but charming Londoner conscripts into the army, only to find himself in the desert campaign. He attempts to avoid combat by posing as a homosexual, a ruse that ironically lands him in a hospital where he meets a nurse with whom he falls in love. His attempts to escape duty continue with further misadventures.
Critical Reception
On the Fiddle received a mixed reception from critics upon its release. While some praised its comedic elements and Sean Connery's performance, others found the plot to be rather flimsy and the humor inconsistent. Audience reactions were similarly varied, with some enjoying the lighthearted wartime comedy and others finding it to be forgettable.
What Reviewers Say
- Praised for its lighthearted approach to a wartime setting.
- Sean Connery's early comedic performance was a highlight for some.
- Criticized for a predictable plot and uneven humor.
Google audience: N/A
Fun Fact
This film was one of Sean Connery's early roles before he became internationally famous as James Bond.
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