Nearly a Nasty Accident

In this brisk 1961 British comedy, a stern RAF Group Captain tries to keep a restless aircraft mechanic in line as he meddles with every piece of equipment he can lay hands on. The routine, ideal at first, quickly spirals into a farce as devices go missing, alarms ring misadventure, and the chain of command is forced to improvise. The Group Captain squints at the chaos from a position of authority while the wily technician tests limits, turning disciplined air stations into a playground of cheeky schemes. Amid banter and pratfalls, respect for duty clashes with curiosity and invention. Their clash fuels a series of comic set pieces that keep the pace lively without losing sight of character or heart.

Directed by Don Chaffey and released in 1961, Nearly a Nasty Accident pairs an original screenplay by David Carr, Jack Davies and David Stringer with a cast led by Jimmy Edwards, Kenneth Connor and Shirley Eaton. The humor comes from a strict Group Captain.

The humor hinges on authority meeting ingenuity as rules collide with impulse and improvisation. Edwards and Connor spar with quick verbal zingers while Eaton grounds the chaos with practical steadiness. Barker as The Air Minister adds pomp and sarcasm, giving the RAF setting a crisp, 60s wit.

Although not a widely celebrated classic, the film showcases actors who would leave a mark on British screens, including Jon Pertwee who later became a Doctor in Doctor Who. Eaton and Edwards also built friendships with fans of the era. It's a slice of 60s humor and style.

No major film awards are listed for Nearly a Nasty Accident, but its cast and director are notable figures in British comedy of the era, suggesting a film that reflects the talents of its time and the era's lively, communal screen humor for fans and scholars alike.