Norman Pitkin's ambition is to be a policeman. But he has to be content with washing police cars until the police realise that the only way to solve a spate of jewel thefts is to make use of Norman's uncanny resemblance to the chief suspect.

viewer's comments:

- Having proved himself a war hero in The Square Peg (1958), Norman Pitkin, Norman Wisdom's most famous incarnation of his riotous buffoon character, is here demobbed and, as usual for a Wisdom movie, dreaming of something better. Norman wants to follow in his father's footsteps and become a policeman, but being decidedly on the short side, has to settle for washing police cars. Of course it's not long before Norman is impersonating an officer of the law. As in The Square Peg, Wisdom also plays his nemesis here, the German General Schreiber, as well as the chief suspect in a series of jewel robberies which only Pitkin's chaotic antics can solve. In fact, as if emphasising that On the Beat really is The Square Peg with different uniforms, Terence Alexander, who later found fame as Charlie Hungerford in the long running BBC series Bergerac, also returns, albeit playing a different character. Wisdom film-regular David Lodge, previously seen co-starring in The Bulldog Breed (1960) is also on hand, though otherwise the supporting cast is less stellar than before. Solid if very predictable feel-good entertainment, Wisdom's particular brand of charming anarchy proves again his box-office formula could withstand endless variations. --Gary S Dalkin

- One of Britain's finest comedys!
Norman Wisdom surely is one of the best comedians of the 20th century. In this film he plays a double role as a would-be policeman and a gangster-hairdresser. The way he handles the sublimely script is perfect. The music adds much to the fun of watching this wonderful comedy.

- A Classic from the great days of British Cinema
Although Norman is often disparaged in the land of his birth there can be no doubt that this is a very funny and original film. If you have not seen this film I would like to advise you that it contains one of the funniest scenes on celluloid: Norman has always been turned down for the Police because of his height; he is much too short. Following an epiphanic moment in the street he goes along to his next medical - in stilts! Gags abound in the doctor's room ending with a quite hilarious punchline from the doctor. These old b&w films can be picked up fairly cheaply on video now. If you see this one get it - that scene alone is worth the money.

Cast overview, first billed only:
Norman Wisdom .... Norman Pitkin/Giulio Napolitani
Jennifer Jayne .... Rosanna
Raymond Huntley .... Sir Ronald Ackroyd
David Lodge .... Insp. Hobson
Esma Cannon .... Mrs. Stammers
Eric Barker .... Doctor
Eleanor Summerfield .... Sgt. Wilkins
Ronnie Stevens .... Oberon
Terence Alexander .... Chief Supt. Belcher
Maurice Kaufmann .... Vince
Dilys Laye .... American Lady
George Pastell .... Manzini
Jack Watson .... Police Sergeant
Campbell Singer .... Bollington
Lionel Murton .... Man in Underground Train

Runtime: 101 min
Country: UK
Language: English
Color: Black and White