What a Crazy World

Alf Hitchens is an unemployed young man from London's East End who spends his days chasing a shot at pop stardom while trying to keep a shaky romance with his girlfriend Marilyn alive. He and his mates drift between auditions, small club gigs and odd jobs, trading banter and schemes as Alf pursues his musical dream. The film strings together lively performances with scenes of ordinary urban life, so the songs feel like part of the neighborhood rather than set pieces. It keeps things upbeat and often playful, focusing on ambition, friendship and the grind of working-class life without revealing the later twists of the story. It was shot on real London streets. That roots the music in its neighborhood.

Released in 1963, What a Crazy World was directed by Michael Carreras and stars Joe Brown, Marty Wilde, Michael Goodman, Susan Maughan and Harry H. Corbett. The British pop musical mixes on-location London scenes with staged club performances.

The film didn't pick up major awards or high-profile nominations, but it was noted at the time for its assembly of charting pop acts. It remains of interest to fans of its performers and to students of British pop cinema, even though it lacked formal accolades or critical prizes.

Featuring real London locations and performances by popular stars like Joe Brown and Marty Wilde, the movie captures pre-Beatles British pop culture. Fans of vintage British music films regard it as a useful snapshot of early 1960s youth style and street life, preserving routines and fashions of the period.

Critics gave What a Crazy World mixed notices, reflected in a modest 6.2/10 user vote, praising its lively songs and working-class color while noting a thin plot and lightweight storyline. Audiences who enjoy period pop numbers tend to respond more warmly than those seeking dramatic depth or character study.