After a lock-keeper entrusts his daughter to a canal Casanova, he is shocked to learn that she is pregnant. He then refuses to open his locks - causing barges to pile up in every direction until the guilty party confesses.
Acting
Harry H. Corbett's sleazy charm makes Hemel oddly lovable.
Production
Authentic industrial canal locations now lost to time.
Writing
Eric Sykes' script balances crude gags with genuine melancholy.
Director
Duncan Wood
Harry H. Corbett
Hemel Pike
Hugh Griffith
Joe Turnbull
Eric Sykes
The Mariner
Ronnie Barker
Ronnie
Julia Foster
Christine Turnbull
Miriam Karlin
Nellie Marsh
Eric Barker
Mr Parkes, the Foreman
Derek Nimmo
Dr. Scott
Norman Bird
Waterways Supervisor Albert Williams
Richard Briers
Tomkins
Brian Wilde
Policeman
George A. Cooper
Official in Office
Jo Rowbottom
Cynthia
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Harry H. Corbett shot this between Steptoe and Son seasons; Hemel Pike became his escape from Albert's son.
The British canal network was already dying in 1964; this film accidentally documents a vanishing way of life.
GB
US
