Strictly for the Birds
| Strictly for the Birds | |
|---|---|
 Original British quad poster | |
| Directed by | Vernon Sewell |
| Written by | Tony Hawes |
| Produced by | E.M. Smedley-Aston |
| Starring | Tony Tanner Joan Sims Graham Stark |
| Cinematography | Reginald H. Wyer |
| Edited by | Peter Taylor |
| Music by | Johnny Douglas |
Production company | |
| Distributed by | Rank Film Distributors (UK) |
Release date | 29 March 1964 (UK) |
Running time | 63 minutes |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Language | English |
Strictly for the Birds is a 1964 British comedy film directed by Vernon Sewell and starring Tony Tanner, Joan Sims and Graham Stark.[1] Terry Blessing seems to be having a lucky day, winning at gambling, until a woman with whom he'd had an assignation six years previously 'phones him and claims her child is his son.[2]
It was made at Beaconsfield Studios as a second feature for distribution by the Rank Organisation. The film was an apparent attempt to imitate Sparrows Can't Sing (1963) with which is shared a setting in the East End of London.[3]
Plot[]
Terry Blessing creates a gambling system involving continual use of a ready reckoner.
Although his system is very successful, he is ultimately robbed of his winnings by a well-bred young lady whom he accidentally meets after trying to impress her. The minor compensation, of regaining his original stake on a raffle, is also denied him, as it's merely the same amount that he owes to another.
Title Song[]
The film's title song, 'Strictly for the Birds', was recorded by Birmingham pop group Pat Wayne and the Beachcombers, and was released on Columbia Records DB 7262.
Cast[]
- Tony Tanner as Terry Blessing
- Joan Sims as Peggy Blessing
- Graham Stark as Hartley
- Jeanne Moody as Claire
- Alan Baulch as Alfie
- Toni Palmer as Bridget
- Valerie Walsh as Maxine
- Carol Cleveland as Sandra
- Bernard Goldman as Mendoza
- Murray Kash as Mario
- Christine Hargreaves as Linda
- Eddie Leslie as Traffic Warden
- Eric Dodson as George
- Clement Freud as croupier in the casino
References[]
- ^ "BFI | Film & TV Database | STRICTLY FOR THE BIRDS (1963)". Ftvdb.bfi.org.uk. 16 April 2009. Archived from the original on 14 January 2009. Retrieved 1 June 2014.
- ^ "Strictly For The Birds Trailer, Reviews and Schedule for Strictly For The Birds | TVGuide.com". Movies.tvguide.com. Retrieved 1 June 2014.
- ^ Chibnall & McFarlane p.132
Bibliography[]
- Chibnall, Steve & McFarlane, Brian. The British 'B' Film. Palgrave MacMillan, 2009.
External links[]
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- English-language films
- 1964 films
- British films
- 1964 comedy films
- Films directed by Vernon Sewell
- British comedy films
- Films set in London
- Films shot at Beaconsfield Studios
- 1960s British comedy film stubs