What A Whopper [DVD]

When Tony Blake (Adam Faith) and his chums run out of money to fund their "creative" lifestyles, as well as to live in a large, London house, they have to find some way to improve their lot. Tony is an, as yet, unpublished author, whose book about the Loch Ness Monster has been rejected by yet another publisher. He hatches a plan to make it successful by faking a photograph of the aforementioned beastie. Along with his housemates, he goes to the local hardware shop (they didn't have DIY stores in those days) and they fabricate a poor "replica" of Nessie. Floated on the Serpentine and with smoke from a can, they take a photograph which appears to show the dreaded monster peering from the fog. In full view of a local tramp (Spike Milligan) who is fishing, they have to make a dash for it when the fire brigade is called to extinguish the non-existent fire. (It is so good to hear the sound of bells, rather than the wailing of the siren!!)

Eventually, they decide to promote and enhance their story by visiting Loch Ness and, by using sound effects and local gossip, they intend to convince the public that not only is Nessie real, but that they have the photograph to prove it!

A drive to Scotland in a Rolls-Royce, that was once a hearse, closely followed by the drunken father of the air-headed Charlotte (Carole Lesley) (if he'd tried it today, he wouldn't have made it past the end of the road!), in the days before motorways carved up the countryside!

The chums stay at a charming inn, where fish poaching appears to be rife. After a late-night excursion, Tony, Vernon and Charlotte have to seek refuge at a local cottage. Adam ends up sharing a bed with the kilted owner of the cottage (a bit risqué for the '60s - especially since the man is single!), who appears possessed with "The Campbells". Vernon and Charlotte have to spend a sleepless night together in the spare room (they aren't married, so they mustn't actually sleep - spending the night together is bad enough)!

After a few late night sound effects, some not very convincing monster tracks in the mud, a chase by the local constabulary and a still drunken father, they are eventually found out and pursued by the villagers. Thinking quickly, they take to a small rowing boat and head out into the middle of the Loch. OH! What a Whopper!!

Some good laughs, good fun and an impressive cast. Very lighthearted and worth a chuckle or three!

Great Film and a rare treat, i saw this on TV shortly after Adam Faith passed away, glad this has been released, if you like the traditional classic 1960's comedies then this is a real gem you shouldn't be without

Had seen this film in the 70's and 80's and enjoyed it. Glad I've got it on DVD. Quite an enjoyable romp with a tongue-n-cheek poke at the best monster in Scotland