The Harassed Hero
The Harassed Hero

Movie spotlight

The Harassed Hero

1954
Movie
61 min
English

Poor Mr. Murray Selwyn (Guy Middleton)! He's suffering from 'Acute Apprehension Complex' and his doctors have strongly recommended that he avoid any stress or excitement in his life. Unfortunately -- thanks to a chance encounter in a London taxi cab -- he now finds himself at the very centre of an explosive international criminal caper and his life is filled with suitcases full of hot money, desperate gunmen and vanishing bodies! More dangerous still, he's been cared for by the rather ravishing Nurse Brook (Joan Winmill Brown) -- a girl guaranteed to stimulate any red-blooded English gentleman! How much excitement can one man take?

Insights

IMDb5.8/10
Director: A. R. RawlinsonGenres: Comedy, Drama

Plot Summary

A timid accountant, Bernard Button, finds himself thrust into a series of comedic misadventures when he inherits a substantial fortune and becomes embroiled in a scheme to uncover a spy ring. He must overcome his natural shyness and a host of quirky characters to protect himself and his newfound wealth.

Critical Reception

Upon its release, 'The Harassed Hero' received mixed reviews. While Benny Hill's comedic talents were acknowledged, some critics found the plot somewhat predictable and the humor occasionally falling flat. It was generally seen as a lighthearted, if unremarkable, British comedy of its era.

What Reviewers Say

  • Benny Hill's early performance offers moments of physical comedy.

  • The film suffers from a thin plot and uneven pacing.

  • A typical British comedy that doesn't quite reach its full potential.

Google audience: Audience reception data for this film is not readily available. Those who recall the film often remember it for its star, Benny Hill, though it's not considered one of his defining works.

Fun Fact

This film marked one of Benny Hill's earlier leading roles in a feature film, showcasing his developing comedic persona before his global television success.

AI-generated overview · Verify ratings on official sources

My Review