"Up the Creek" is a 1958 British comedy film directed by Val Guest and starring David Tomlinson, Peter Sellers, and Wilfrid Hyde-White. The film is about an idiotic Royal Navy lieutenant who is transferred to a faraway Mothball Fleet to a rusty destroyer whose crew is made up of misfits and rejects. Peter Sellers plays the role of Chief Petty Officer Doherty in one of his earliest roles. The film was a box office success and was listed as being "in the money" at the British box office in 1958.
Plot
The plot revolves around Lieutenant Humphrey Fairweather (David Tomlinson), a bumbling navy officer, who is transferred to HMS Berkeley, an old World War II destroyer, to keep him out of harm's way. However, together with Chief Petty Officer Doherty (Peter Sellers), Fairweather gets into more trouble than might be thought possible. The chaos reaches its peak when the Admiralty turns up for an inspection of the ship. The film is a cross between radio's "The Navy Lark" and the later "Watch Your Stern," with a bit of "Bilko" mixed in.
Trailer
Cast
- David Tomlinson as Naval Officer
- Peter Sellers as Bosun
- Vera Day as Lily
- Wilfrid Hyde-White as Foley
- Lionel Jeffries as Captain
- Liz Fraser as WREN
- David Lodge as Lt. Pouter
- Michael Goodliffe as Admiral
- Patrick Cargill as Commander
- John Warren as Writer
- Val Guest as Director
Director: Val Guest
Writer: Val Guest, Len Heath, John Warren
Box Office Gross: $11,708,269
Distributor: Warner Bros
Genre: Comedy
Release Date: 1958
Theme
The theme of "Up the Creek" (1958) revolves around the struggles and camaraderie of a group of misfit sailors in the Royal Navy. The film explores the challenges they face in their daily lives and their attempts to overcome them, often through humor and wit. The theme is one of perseverance and teamwork, as the sailors learn to work together and rely on each other to overcome their obstacles.
Reception
"Up the Creek" (1958) was well-received by audiences and critics alike. The film was a box office success and was listed as being "in the money" at the British box office in 1958. The performances of the cast, particularly Peter Sellers, were praised for their comedic timing and ability to bring the characters to life. The film's humor and wit were also highlighted as standout aspects of the film.
Production Challenges
During the production of "Up the Creek" (1958), the film faced several challenges. One of the main challenges was the limited budget, which required the crew to be creative in their approach to filming and set design. The film was also shot on location, which presented its own set of challenges, including unpredictable weather and logistical issues. Despite these challenges, the crew was able to overcome them and deliver a successful film.
Settings
The setting of "Up the Creek" (1958) is primarily on board a rusty destroyer in the Mothball Fleet. The film takes place in a faraway location, which adds to the sense of isolation and camaraderie among the sailors. The ship's cramped quarters and rusty machinery provide a unique backdrop for the film's humor and action.
Visual Styles and Techniques
The visual style of "Up the Creek" (1958) is characterized by its use of humor and wit. The film employs a variety of visual techniques, including slapstick comedy and physical humor, to bring the characters and their struggles to life. The film also makes use of color and lighting to create a vibrant and engaging visual experience.
Trivia and Fun Facts
- "Up the Creek" (1958) was one of Peter Sellers' earliest roles, and he went on to become one of the most successful comedic actors of all time.
- The film was shot on location in the UK, and the crew had to deal with unpredictable weather and logistical issues during production.
- "Up the Creek" (1958) was a box office success and was listed as being "in the money" at the British box office in 1958.