Idol on Parade
| Idol on Parade | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Directed by | John Gilling |
| Screenplay by | John Antrobus |
| Based on | novel Idle on Parade by William Camp |
| Produced by |
Irving Allen Albert R. Broccoli |
| Starring | Anthony Newley |
| Cinematography | Ted Moore |
| Edited by | Bert Rule |
| Music by | Bill Shepherd |
Production company |
|
| Distributed by | Columbia Pictures |
Release date |
|
Running time |
88 min. |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Language | English |
Idol on Parade is a 1959 British comedy movie produced by Warwick Films, directed by John Gilling and featuring William Bendix, Anthony Newley, Sid James and Lionel Jeffries. It was based on John Antrobus' first screenplay.
The movie depicts Jeep Jackson, the main character, during his two years of compulsory National Service in the British military. It was based on the 1958 novel Idle on Parade by William Camp which in turn was inspired by Elvis Presley's conscription into the US Army.
The movie featured Newley singing five songs in a cockney accent for the movie. One of the songs, "I've Waited So Long", reached No. 3 in the UK chart.
Plot
The film considers what happens when a pop-star is conscripted into the army. He tries to continue his recording career while still undergoing training on camp. When a different J Jackson materialises they take the opportunity to post Jeep to the Outer Hebrides to get rid of his disruptive impact on the camp.
When a group of soldiers go to the cinema in the film, they go to see The Cockleshell Heroes, in which Newley was an actor.
Cast
- William Bendix as Sergeant Major Lush
- Anthony Newley as Jeep Jackson
- Anne Aubrey as Caroline
- Lionel Jeffries as Bertie
- Sid James as Herbie
- David Lodge as Shorty
- Dilys Laye as Renee
- William Kendall as Commanding Officer
- Bernie Winters as Joseph Jackson
- Harry Fowler as Ron
- Percy Herbert as Sergeant (Hebrides)
Production
The film was based on a novel published in 1958. The Observer said the book was "very funny". It concerned an intellectual in the army, rather than a pop singer.
Filming started 10 November 1958. It was the first time William Bendix worked in England.
Reception
The Monthly Film Bulletin described the film as "trite... a waste of good comedy talent."
Variety called it "a straightforward army farce... pure corn".
It was the first time Newley sang in a film. Four of the songs from the soundtrack made the top 20. "I got a bigger kick out of being on the hit parade than anything I've ever done," said Newley.