One Good Turn (1955)

10% want to see it
(431 ratings)

Beloved British comedian Norman Wisdom made his second film appearance in One Good Turn. This time, nebbishy Norman plays a jack-of-all-trades, employed by an orphanage. After a steady series of slapstick setpieces, our hero sets about to save the orphanage from the hands of its creditors. Those… More Beloved British comedian Norman Wisdom made his second film appearance in One Good Turn. This time, nebbishy Norman plays a jack-of-all-trades, employed by an orphanage. After a steady series of slapstick setpieces, our hero sets about to save the orphanage from the hands of its creditors. Those who've noted a remarkable resemblance between the vehicles of Norman Wisdom and Jerry Lewis will not be dissuaded by One Good Turn, in which the star ladles on the sentiment and pathos with a trowel. Like most of Wisdom's films, One Good Turn did better in the U.S. as a "Late Late Show" entry than a theatrical release. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

Rating, Runtime: Unrated, 1 hr. 14 min.
Directed By: John Paddy Carstairs
Genres: Comedy

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Anthony L

In my opinion, Norman Wisdom is up there with Buster Keaton, Charlie Chaplin and Harold Lloyd when it comes to physical comedy but unlike the three greats, he also had a great singing voice and could switch to serious acting in a heartbeat. He is often compared, and is sometimes known… More
In my opinion, Norman Wisdom is up there with Buster Keaton, Charlie Chaplin and Harold Lloyd when it comes to physical comedy but unlike the three greats, he also had a great singing voice and could switch to serious acting in a heartbeat. He is often compared, and is sometimes known as, the British version of Jerry Lewis. Now I love Jerry Lewis but he's got nothing on Norman - Norman Wisdom is a one off, you may like both but they are very different in my mind. In fact I would say Norman Wisdom would be the angel on the left compared to WC Fields devil on the right when it comes to slapstick. The best thing about Norman Wisdom's prat-falls is that he laughs them off, it's very much a signature move and for me has always been the thing that has set him above the rest. Lee Evans owes a lot to him! One good turn is funny and moving and when it's funny, it's really funny. It's got Thora Hird in it too as a bonus! Timeless classic - One of the few films I'll still be watching as an old man!