London times
5 August 2011
Energetic, musical-inspired comedy in which high-born Italian visitor (Hardy) takes a break from the stuffy savoy and is treated to a day out in London by a trio of friends, facilitated by initially reluctant cab-driver, the inimitable Sid James. Along the way the quintet decides to acquire three hats in daring pranks to give Hardy a memento of her mischievous day out.

Some location work interspersed with sets paints a nostalgic picture of mid-sixties London on which to reminisce, while the musical numbers and choreography isn't bad for a light comedy (even old cad James manages to kick up his heels, in time). Peter Bowles features in a minor supporting role as Hardy's English sponsor, a dour, stiff upper-lipped type serving to contrast Hardy's new found radicalism; the dark and sultry Una Stubbs plays one of trio.

It's very low key, good humoured without the sexual innuendo you might expect from James (considering he was in the thick of "Carry-On" when this was made), suitable for kids and a pleasant postcard of London and the English 'riviera' in the pop culture era.
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