The Early Bird (1965)

Overview

The Early Bird is a classic underdog comedy about one small man up against a big, bullying corporation. Released in 1965, it captures the essence of Norman Wisdom’s "little man" persona—a kind, chaotic, determined worker who is constantly outmatched by bureaucracy, bullies, and his own bad luck, but somehow always finds a way to come out on top.

In this film, Norman swaps his usual role in the civil service or odd-jobs for a new identity: Norman Pitkin, the humble milkman. What follows is an energetic romp involving rampaging cows, runaway milk floats, sabotaged deliveries, and some of the most inventive slapstick sequences of Wisdom’s career. It’s a film that’s equally at home with gentle charm and anarchic lunacy.

Plot Summary (Spoiler-Free)

Norman Pitkin (Norman Wisdom) works for Grimsdale Dairy, a tiny, family-run milk company overseen by Mr. Grimsdale (Edward Chapman, reprising his iconic comic foil role). Norman is devoted to his job, his customers, and especially his faithful horse-drawn milk cart, which he uses to do his early morning rounds.

But trouble arrives in the form of Consolidated Dairies, a ruthless corporate juggernaut intent on absorbing or crushing its smaller rivals. When the mega-dairy tries to take over Grimsdale’s quaint little operation, Norman declares war—milk bottle in hand.

Thus begins a full-blown comedic conflict between the underdog Pitkin and the well-oiled machinery of modern industry. Along the way, Norman finds himself pursued by lawyers, sabotaged by goons, chased through manicured gardens, and hilariously entangled in the corporate jungle. And yes, there’s even a cow chase through a manor house.

Tone and Style

The Early Bird is pitched somewhere between a Buster Keaton silent comedy and an Ealing Studios farce, with a dash of 1960s satire. It’s light, lovable, and often ludicrous—but never mean-spirited. The film carries a nostalgic reverence for old-fashioned values—honesty, hard work, loyalty—which are threatened by a new world of profit, process, and automation.

Stylistically, it leans heavily into slapstick and physical comedy, but also includes subtle commentary on corporate greed and the soullessness of modernization. It’s a film that gently mocks the rise of faceless corporations while celebrating community, eccentricity, and heart.

Direction and Writing

Directed by Robert Asher, a frequent collaborator of Wisdom’s, the film is tightly paced, rarely pausing between visual gags, physical stunts, or clever set-pieces. Asher ensures that each comic scene escalates in scale and energy, particularly in the second half of the film, which features increasingly elaborate chases and pratfalls.

The screenplay by Jack Davies and Henry Blyth is smartly structured, layering escalating conflicts while giving Norman ample room to riff, flail, and flounder. What sets it apart is how it uses its comedy to poke fun at real-world changes—like the shift from horse-drawn delivery to mechanical efficiency.

Performances

Norman Wisdom as Norman Pitkin

This is Norman Wisdom in classic form: the naive, well-meaning, physically agile fool whose heart is as big as his laugh. From awkward cow encounters to high-speed milk float chases, Wisdom commits fully to the chaos. His pratfalls are delivered with absolute conviction, and his timing is impeccable.

He also conveys genuine pathos, particularly in scenes where Norman is dismissed, misunderstood, or overwhelmed. This balance between clown and everyman gives the character—and the film—real emotional warmth.

Edward Chapman as Mr. Grimsdale

Returning as the long-suffering Grimsdale, Chapman is again the perfect straight man to Norman’s tornado of clumsiness. He brings a pompous charm and exasperation that offsets Norman’s exuberance. Their chemistry is as polished as ever, and Grimsdale remains a quintessential figure in Wisdom’s cinematic world.

Jerry Desmonde as Mr. Hunter

As the cold, conniving head of Consolidated Dairies, Desmonde is deliciously smug. His smooth, villainous demeanour contrasts sharply with Norman’s sincerity, making him the perfect corporate foil. Desmonde was a frequent antagonist in Wisdom’s films, and he brings an effortless, upper-crust menace to the role.

Comedy Highlights & Set Pieces

The runaway horse-drawn cart: A classic Wisdom gag turned up to 11, with Norman’s milk float going rogue through the streets.

The “invasion” of Consolidated Dairies: Norman trying to navigate a high-tech, soulless office building, causing chaos at every turn.

The manor house scene: A chaotic set piece involving a milk cart, a terrified cow, and priceless furniture.

Milk bottle juggling & explosions: Yes, exploding milk bottles. And yes, it’s hilarious.

Each sequence is crafted with precision, escalating tension and absurdity without losing narrative momentum.

Themes and Subtext

Though wrapped in slapstick, The Early Bird carries meaningful subtext:

Small vs. Big Business: A David vs. Goliath tale that critiques the coldness of industrial expansion and defends local community spirit.

Tradition vs. Modernity: Norman represents an older, more human way of life—horse-drawn carts, handshakes, personal service—fighting against mechanized efficiency.

The Individual vs. The System: Norman’s struggle isn’t just against a company but against impersonal bureaucracy, symbolizing the era’s anxieties about being lost in a growing system.

Legacy and Reception

The Early Bird was a box-office success, especially in the UK, and is still regarded as one of Norman Wisdom’s best and most fully realized films. It marked a transition from the black-and-white, pre-war style comedies to something brighter and slightly more modern—yet still firmly rooted in post-war British sentimentality.

In Albania, where Wisdom was a massive star (and one of the few Western entertainers approved by Enver Hoxha), the film further cemented his folk-hero status.

In modern times, the film has retained a cult following, especially among fans of classic British comedy. Its jokes may feel old-fashioned to some, but its heart, humour, and good-natured spirit remain timeless.

Conclusion

The Early Bird is vintage Norman Wisdom at his most lovable, chaotic, and endearing. It’s a film that wears its heart on its sleeve, balances laughter with sincerity, and stands as a sweetly subversive commentary on changing times. Whether you're a lifelong fan or new to Wisdom’s work, this film is a must-see for anyone who loves classic British comedy—and cheering for the little guy.