Department Store

The heir to a London department store must learn the business, but he must start off by working his way through the various menial jobs incognito first. However, a crooked manager has arranged, for a cracksman, just out of prison, to join the staff. Each is mistaken for the other.

This is actually quite a fun little throw-away mystery that I couldn't help but think would have been a good vehicle for Norman Wisdom! It's all centred around the nephew of the wealthy owner of of a big store who is to be sent, incognito, into the business to learn the ropes. Only the general manager "Bradbury" (Garry Marsh) knows the true identity of his charge (Sebastian Shaw). Simultaneously, "Burge" (Jack Melford) arrives and is soon on the enormous salary of 15 guineas per week! Shortly thereafter news of an impending general audit is announced. This is when we discover that "Bradbury" has had his hands in the till and so he engages "Burge" to help him out. Thing is, there's been a mix up at check-in, and only we are actually sure whom is whom! It's a simple, light-hearted, comedy with no jeopardy or menace, but a hint of just desserts as it moves along, quickly, for just over an hour. You won't remember it, but you might quite enjoy it if you like this style of cheap and cheerful British afternoon cinema fodder.