While this film offers some mildly (very mildly) humorous scenes, I would not characterize it as a comedy--more like a drama with comedic overtones. This isn't a complaint--I just don't want to viewer to expect too much from this film.It starts off in the present day. James Robertson Justice's character is being honored on the British version of "You Bet Your Life" and this leads to a flashback that comprises most of the rest of the film.Apparently, Justice was a big-shot during WWII. During a special mission over German territory, he is accidentally sucked out of a gaping hole blown into the Halifax bomber. And, not surprisingly, he's placed in a POW camp filled with British soldiers. However, he's so important that word makes it to the prisoners that he MUST escape at all costs. In the meantime, Justice is incredibly brusque and dismissive of everyone. It's obvious he hates everyone--showing no respect or willingness to socialize with anyone--British or even German. So, the prisoners are forced to help someone no one really likes--nor should they like him! Much of the film the viewer ponders whether Justice's character is truly hateful or if it's all an act, of sorts. See it and then you decide for yourself. It's an enjoyable little film--nothing great, but well done....and Justice is very good as usual.

A sterling cast is largely wasted on this flimsy attempt at satire. Heavyweight JRJ's typically confident and purposeful performance is about the only thing making it watchable, although brief glimpses of comic genius Eric Sykes and twin roles from dour Scot Stanley Baxter do help lift this above the merely mundane.The plot is strong enough but is weakened because of the light-hearted treatment, and there is little attempt at creating tension or even realism. What passed for gentle entertainment 50 years ago would mystify most modern audiences who are raised on a diet of high-octane, high-speed thrills and laughs.As a piece of social history illustrating the British attitude to the war just 15 years after it ended, it has merit. Sadly as a piece of cinematic entertainment it does not.

This comedy-thriller gives an unexpectedly authentic look to a German prisoner of war camp, suggesting a practical knowledge of the subject from some of those involved in the making of the film.I remember seeing this film on TV as a kid, and enjoying it immensely. Recently, it cropped up on UK's Channel Four, and it was still just as entertaining and oddly touching.James Robertson Justice gives a great performance as the grouchy, but underneath it all, sensitive boffin, and it's a real treat to see the young Eric Sykes, Stanley Baxter and Leslie Phillips all relishing their work. Wonderful support also in the always solid and dependable forms of John Le Mesurier and Richard Watiss. Many other familiar faces from films of the era add to the overall success of this movie. A very British little gem of a movie.

VERY IMPORTANT PERSON (USA: Coming-Out Party) Aspect ratio: 1.66:1Sound format: Mono(Black and white)Internees at a German POW camp plot the escape of a high-ranking British scientist (James Robertson Justice) who has fallen into enemy hands.Entertaining mixture of comedy and drama, directed with cut-throat efficiency by Ken Annakin (later responsible for blockbusters like BATTLE OF THE BULGE and CHITTY CHITTY BANG BANG), and headlined by some of the most popular names in contemporary British cinema, including Leslie Phillips and Jeremy Lloyd as upper-class comic relief, and Stanley Baxter playing dual roles as a temperamental Scottish prisoner and an unpleasant Nazi officer (when the German calls him a 'British swine', Baxter retorts with haughty pride: "SCOTTISH swine!"). Robertson is at his most gruff and lovable here, initially appalled by the company he's forced to keep in the POW camp, then quietly appreciative of the lengths these 'idiots' will go to secure his safety. The tone is pretty low-key, which means the film isn't always as funny or as suspenseful as it could have been, but it's a hugely enjoyable treat nonetheless. Eric Sykes, Richard Wattis and John Le Mesurier are featured in supporting roles.