Postman's Knock

A good idea on paper that never sticks the landing. Love Spike Milligan. Love Barbara Shelley. Don't love them together. Milligan, one of the comic geniuses of the 20th century, is oddly cast as a bumbling romantic lead here; his chemistry with Shelley has about as much fizz as a glass of 2-day-old soda pop. Shelley would nail loads of more inspired parts, especially at Hammer Studios, but the pairing of her prim demeanor and Milligan's hamming — Spike veers uncomfortably close to Bob Denver here — comes off as repellent instead of complementary. There are still flashes of inspiration dotting the landscape; the guest cast in this '60s MGM comedy has loads of fun 'Spot-The-British-Character-Actor' moments, including a typically good turn from Warren Mitchell and an uncredited cameo by a very young Denise Coffey. Sadly, Milligan's film career never took off in the vein of good friend/ex-Goon Peter Sellers, who was making "Lolita" at roughly the same time this came out and about to vault into the stratosphere of one of the UK's biggest cinema stars. Meanwhile, Milligan was stuck with slapstick and sorry scripts, so it was no surprise that Spike and MGM parted ways not long after this hit British movie houses. Still, "Postman's Knock" is such a curio — again, SPIKE MILLIGAN AS A ROMANTIC LEAD — that it's probably essential viewing for Goon Show fans and Spike completists, just for the 'WTF' factor. And hey, the theme tune is remarkably cute and catchy. Pity one can't say the same for movie itself.

I had see the "Postman's Knock" many years ago as a child and it was nice to see it again.

There is only one reason I bought this film: Barbara Shelley. She is her usual wonderful, beautiful self.As for Spike Milligan, he is pleasant in an innocent sort of way. Typical knock-about British comedy ofit's era; low budget with plenty of silly music and slapstick sequences. My only gripe really is the picturequality, it is very average and looks no better than VHS quality.

This is quite a nice funny film. Spike plays an innocent village postman who gets transferred to London. In this film he shows his ability to act properly, rather than fool around all the time....I can recommend it and would like to point out that although it is advertised as Region 1, it is actually a region free DVD, so should be able to be played on any DVD player in the UK.

No it was not a 'goon caper but a good comedy as Spike finds adventure in a great city - London to show his skills to the bosses !

I bought this for my Russian friend and her sister. They really love this film and had asked me if I could get it. I was really pleased that it was available. It arrived very quickly and I watched a little before sending it.

A film of its time. I didn't find it hilariously funny bit it was entertaining nonetheless. I must admit I was watching the clock towards the end! I mainly bought it for the clips of Braughing station on the old Buntingford branch railway.