Self-important, over-dramatic, uninspired.

if their story seems completely bonkers, almost like a feverish work of fiction, you ain't heard nothing yet.

I think this is a new genre that they're all sort of working their way through it and haven't got all the kinks worked out yet but it's a genre that works for me.

There are moments that feel comical, some horrific, and some downright inspiring but the tonal shifts hardly matter as the end results come to a film that's perfect for this time.

Movie fans who enjoy Jerry Lewis, Red Skelton and Abbott and Costello movies should like Norman Wisdom. This British comedy star of the mid- 20th century had a little bit of those comedians in his style. Yet, he had a character all his own. "On the Beat" is a later film of his in which Wisdom plays Norman Pitkin, a wannabe Bobby. His father had been a policeman, but Norman can't get on the force because he's not tall enough to qualify. So, he has been working for Scotland Yard washing cars. He daydreams of being a crime- buster. Eventually, the right opportunity comes along and Norman impersonates an Italian underworld figure. He plays both roles and is very funny as Giulio Napolitani. Pandemonium and hilarity break out from there on. I think this is one of his funniest films. It has one of the longest and funniest chases on foot ever filmed. "On the Beat" is sure to please anyone who enjoys just plain humor and crazy antics.

Because I'm laughing behind and the reason is this little fella, known as Mr Pitkin...Another hit by the maestro of comedy. I did not like it much when I saw it for the first time mostly due to the fact that I did not understand quite a lot, but later, as I watched it in my native language, I got amazed by Mr Norman Wisdom's genius again.It's damn funny with tons of funny episodes Check out the one with those two nosey neighbours behind the door (the old lady jerks her head and hits the chin of the man - it sounds simply outstanding and looks totally stupid).Great timing and performance... yes, 10 out of 10. No question.

Norman Wisdom tries his hand at yet another favorite environment with star comedians: police-work. On the whole, this is one of his better vehicles - with Norman once again in a dual role, as wannabe-policeman simpleton and Italian gangster covering as a hairstylist (whom, needless to say, the former ends up impersonating); the level of the gags is par for the course though the film is, ultimately, overlong (with the 'good' Norman predictably falling for - and sheltering - the gangster's fleeing moll and a tendency towards gay jokes in the hairdressing scenes!). Still, all things considered, the film isn't up to the standard of Laurel & Hardy's classic short THE MIDNIGHT PATROL (1933) - let alone the genius of Keaton's COPS (1922) or Chaplin's EASY STREET (1917)...

Mr. Wisdom's pictures made a lot of money.In the 1950s he was England'smost popular entertainer,TV,movies,records,he did them all.Did he care that the critics hated him?Still do 50 years later and I daresay he probably still doesn't lose too much sleep over it. He is overdue for a reassessment.The concept of post-modern irony should see to that nicely."On the Beat" with it's moments of sublime stupidity and it's classic chase scene(Buster Keaton's "Cops" anyone?) is as good as anywhere to start. No sex,no violence,no obscene language - how come it was so funny. No sublety either,but lovely black and white photography,silly policemen,pomposity for Norman to burst and an accent for him to mangle. Bliss.