On the Beat

Norman Pitkin, the lovable but hapless office worker from the St Trinian's series, finds himself in a new adventure in the 1959 British comedy film, "On the Beat". The movie marks a departure from the previous series, shifting focus from the girls' school to a more personal endeavour of Norman himself as he pursues his childhood dream of becoming a policeman. The story commences with Norman (played by Norman Wisdom) struggling to fit into a career that seems destined for others. His father, a devoted and diligent police officer, had always inspired Norman to follow in his footsteps. However, Norman's ineptitude and lack of physical aptitude make this goal a seemingly insurmountable task. One of the major hurdles he faces is the height requirement for the force; Norman is too short to meet the necessary standards. In a nostalgic and sentimental gesture, Norman comes across his father's old police uniform, locked away in a trunk in the attic. Without hesitation, he decides to don the uniform and begin 'walking the beat', as he had fantasized as a child. Norman takes his role very seriously, despite his complete lack of experience or training. He sees this as an opportunity to prove himself and bring some much-needed pride to his family. However, Norman's foray into policing is met with disaster. His complete ineptitude, coupled with his tendency for getting in the way, creates chaos wherever he goes. He inadvertently foils a bank robbery, but at the expense of getting his uniform dirty and leaving a trail of destruction in his wake. Norman's 'beat' becomes more akin to a free-for-all, as people seem to be more frightened by his antics than any genuine threat. Despite the mayhem he causes, Norman's enthusiasm and determination never waver. He's determined to make a difference, even if it's not in the way anyone had anticipated. As the story unfolds, Norman becomes increasingly entrenched in his role, and his exploits become more and more outrageous. The 'beat' he patrols becomes a hotbed of pandemonium, with Norman right at the centre, oblivious to the destruction he's causing. Meanwhile, Norman's relationships with those around him begin to fray. His colleagues are exasperated by his antics, and his loved ones are concerned for his safety. Norman's wife, Ethel, (played by Naomi Chance) is increasingly frustrated by Norman's new-found obsession, feeling that it's driving a wedge between them. Despite this, Norman remains resolute in his pursuit of policing, convinced that he can learn from his mistakes and become a true officer. As tensions rise and Norman's 'beat' continues to spiral out of control, the authorities finally catch wind of his activities. The police force, determined to find out who is causing the mayhem, dispatch a team of officers to track down the culprit. Norman, blissfully unaware of the commotion he's causing, remains convinced that he's doing something right. The grand finale of the film is a masterclass in slapstick, as Norman inadvertently foils a gang of bank robbers while getting into a series of increasingly absurd misadventures. Norman's antics are a joy to behold, with his innocence and good intentions making him an endearing figure. Even as he causes chaos, it's impossible not to feel a certain affection for this hapless hero, whose determination and enthusiasm ultimately triumph. In the end, 'On the Beat' is a lighthearted and entertaining romp that captures the essence of Norman Wisdom's unique brand of comedy. This film cements Norman's status as a national treasure, showcasing his ability to bring laughter and joy to audiences. Despite its flaws and imperfections, the movie is a loving tribute to the classic British comedies of the era, and its enduring success is a testament to the power of Norman's irrepressible spirit.