The Square Peg
Norman Pitkin and Mr Grimsdale are council workmen mending the road outside an Army base when they come into conflict with the military. Shortly afterwards, they get drafted and fall into the clutches of the Sergeant they have just bested. They are sent to France to repair roads in front of the Allied advance but get captured. Pitkin takes advantage of a useful similarity to impersonate General Schreiber and manages to return a hero
Insights
Plot Summary
During World War II, a shy and unassuming British bank clerk is mistaken for a German spy due to his uncanny resemblance to a notorious Nazi agent. He is captured by the Germans and surprisingly finds himself in a position to gather valuable intelligence. However, his attempts to escape and return to Allied lines are fraught with humorous complications and close calls.
Critical Reception
The Square Peg was a modest success, primarily appreciated for its lighthearted comedic approach to a wartime scenario. While not critically lauded as a cinematic masterpiece, it was generally well-received by audiences for its humorous premise and performances, becoming a popular Ealing-type comedy of its era.
What Reviewers Say
- Praised for its charmingly silly premise and light British humor.
- Bob Monkhouse's performance as the mistaken identity character is a highlight.
- A simple but enjoyable wartime comedy that doesn't take itself too seriously.
Google audience: Audience reviews tend to focus on the film's nostalgic charm and its effective, gentle humor. Viewers often recall it as a pleasant and amusing diversion from the era.
Fun Fact
The film was based on the novel 'The Return of the Square Peg' by George Shipway, which was itself inspired by real-life wartime impersonation incidents.
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