by Hal Erickson
synopsis
One's enjoyment of On the Beat rests solely upon one's tolerance of British comedian Norman Wisdom, who can be described as a Jerry Lewis without the discipline. Wisdom plays a Scotland Yard parking attendant who seemingly can't draw breath without breaking something or knocking someone down. He wants to become a detective, but the Yard isn't quite ready for such a catastrophe. He proves his worth--and wreaks more havoc--by going undercover and trapping a gang of jewel thieves. The slapstick is serviceable in On the Beat; as for the "serious" moments, Wisdom's notion of pathos is to scream at the top of his lungs. You may want to join him.
characteristics
- Scotland-Yard
- Parking-lot-attendant
- Assumed-identity
- Undercover
- Detective
- Cop
- Police
- Yakuza
- Mob
- Investigation
- Gang
- Beautician
- Hairdresser
- Hair-stylist
- Lookalike
