British Comedy Guide
Left, Right And Centre. Image shows from L to R: Robert Wilcot (Ian Carmichael), Lord Wilcot (Alastair Sim)
Left, Right And Centre

Left, Right And Centre

  • 1959 film

Comedy following the Conservative and Labour candidates in a by-election who unwittingly fall in love. Stars Ian Carmichael, Alastair Sim, Patricia Bredin, Richard Wattis, Eric Barker and more.

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Left, Right And Centre. Image shows from L to R: Harding-Pratt (Richard Wattis), Robert Wilcot (Ian Carmichael), Annabel Brentwood (Moyra Fraser)

Key details

Genre
Film
Released
1959
Creators
Sidney Gilliat and Val Valentine
Stars
Ian Carmichael, Alastair Sim, Patricia Bredin, Richard Wattis, Eric Barker, Moyra Fraser, Jack Hedley, Gordon Harker and more
Writer
Sidney Gilliat
Director
Sidney Gilliat
Producers
Frank Launder, Sidney Gilliat and Leslie Gilliat
Company

Bird life naturalist and TV personality Robert 'Bob' Wilcot finds himself standing for the Conservative Party at a by-election in the constituency of Earndale, where his minor-aristocratic family has its ancestral seat. Having not visited the town since he was a boy, nor having any prior involvement in politics, Bob's not sure quite what to expect - not least of his uncle, the local Lord.

Heading to Earndale for the start of his campaign, Bob boards the train in London and finds himself sat opposite a charming young woman with whom he quickly strikes up conversation. The pair get on swimmingly and are deep in conversation before she realises who he is. Not having any fame or public profile herself, he is unaware that she is Stella Stoker, his Labour opponent in the contest!

Arriving at their destination, Robert's shocked to learn of her identity; and each candidate's campaign manager is intensely displeased. It looks like Stella intends to use Robert's train-told stories against him and the battle begins with a certain level of animosity. But Robert is not keen to make personal attacks, and soon finds himself unable to stop thinking about her. It seems there's more on the cards than winning an election!

Additional details

UK certificate
U
Duration
95 minutes
UK release
Tuesday 23rd June 1959
Distributors

British Lion

Production
Studio
Camera set-up
Single camera
Picture
Black and white

Website links

Broadcast details

Most recent repeats
  • Tuesday 9th March 2021 at 2:20pm on TPTV
  • Monday 2nd November 2020 at 6:30pm on TPTV
  • Friday 7th August 2020 at 12:05pm on TPTV

Recording details

  • Shepperton Studios
  • Windsor & Eton Central Station - Location of Earndale station.
  • Ham House - Location of Wilcot Priory.

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