Plot
Two young bachelors take separate skiing holidays at the same resort. Clive Morton and "Humpy" Miller have nothing whatsoever in common –except for one thing: both men fall for the hotel proprietor's daughter Mary. Clive (a debonair soldier and sportsman) gets quickly into his stride, whilst poor "Humpy" – a clumsy, incongruous fellow – looks on dumbly. However, "Humpy" has a secret weapon: Miss Cartwright, his former nanny, who arrives just as the pair are quarantined in the hotel attic after contracting chicken pox. Quickly realising Humpy's predicament, she skillfully arranges for the removal of the opposition, leaving the way clear for "Humpy".
Critical reception
The Monthly Film Bulletin wrote: "The main joke here consists of two adult men being treated as infants; and despite Nigel Patrick's slightly frantic attempts to force humour from the situation, the result is on the whole more embarrassing than comic. Kathleen Harrison enlivens matters somewhat as the resolute nannie, but the director and the rest of the cast seem stymied by a script with so little to offer in the way of novelty or wit." [5]
Kine Weekly wrote: "The picture neatly interleaves its cross-talk with songs, slapstick and exhilarating scenes of ski-ing, and Eastman Color strengthens its holiday atmosphere. Nigel Patrick and David Tomlinson score in contrast and set the ball rolling as the exuberant Clive and the fumbling Humpy respectively, Leo Mckern amuses as the explodve Gaston, and Jill Day acts naturally and sings pleasantly as Marv but none has anything on Kathleen Harrison. She holds the play logether, as the conniving, proverb-quoting Ranny, who insists upon treating grown-ups as children." [6]
Variety wrote: "This is all very immature comedy stuff, making no pretension toward sophistication and relying for reaction on broad farce situations. The performers are in the right key, and apart from the two male stars, David Tomlinson and Nigel Patrick, Kathleen Harrison collars top honors as the woman who can only converse in nursery rhymes. Jill Day is a lush newcomer, who sings adequately and looks attractive enough. David Hurst as a voluble hotel proprietor and Leo McKern as the defeated suitor are at the head of an average supporting cast. Wendy Tove's direction displays an adequate vigor." [7]
Picture Show wrote: "Gay adaptation of the hit stage play of the same title. ... Beautifully set and acted, with lilting tunes, the film provides very pleasant entertainment." [8]
Leslie Halliwell called the film a "simple-minded farce." [9]
In The Radio Times Guide to Films Tom Hutchinson gave the film 2/5 stars, calling the film an "unfunny comedy " and adding "Sadly, director Wendy Toye takes the joke no further, so all we get is a feeble production that only weakly echoes its successful West End stage origins." [10]
TV Guide wrote: "This tired old formula is given the standard British treatment, resulting in an enjoyable, but far from classic comedy." [11]
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