Obnoxious TV personality Robert Wilcot (Ian Carmichael), the Conservative candidate in a by-election, becomes smitten with the Socialist candidate, Stella Stoker (Patricia Bredin). Their two parties try to keep them at each otherās throats, while Wilcotās uncle, Lord Wilcot (Alastair Sim) uses the election to sell tickets to his amusement park.
The writing/producing/directing team of Launder and Gilat are responsible, one way or another, for many of the bestĀ Ā Post-War British Comedies. Left Right and Centre is not one of those. Itās an uneasy mix of romcom at satire. Surprisingly it is the romantic part that doesnāt work. Carmichael, who is often the reason to see a ā50s British comedy, comes off as silly (which works for satire, but not for romance) while Bredin leaves little impression at all.
The political comedy is lightweight, choosing a general āpoliticians are badā message instead of anything with teeth, but the gags work. Partly thatās due to the script, but mostly itās due to the actors. Alastair Sim, in full imp mode, is the best thing about the film and turns his small part into a joyous romp. Luckily Richard Wattis (The Importance of Being Earnest, The Belles of St. Trinian’s) and Eric Barker (Blue Murder at St. Trinians, Carry On Sergeant) do get substantial screen time and they are a blast as conniving, unscrupulous bosses of opposing parties who team up. Itās not enough to make this a āmust seeā film, but it does turn it into an amusing diversion.
Lauder and Gilatās films include The Happiest Days of Your Life (1950), Lady Godiva Rides Again (1951), Folly to Be Wise (1953),Ā The Green Man (1956), The Smallest Show on Earth (1957), The Pure Hell of St Trinian’s (1960), and The Great St Trinian’s Train Robbery (1966)