Picture above: Cartoon style promotional picture – Ian Hendry + Terry Thomas

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In 1966. Ian Hendry was starring as the disbarred lawyer, Alex Lambert, in the first series of The Informer and also appeared in this film, The Sandwich Man – in which Michael Bentine starred in the lead role.

The Sandwich Man is a light-hearted romp through Sixties London. Whilst it received a mixed reception, it contains cameos by a stellar British cast and provides a unique record of some of London’s landmarks during this time. Ian Hendry plays the motorcycle policeman who turns up on the scene a couple of times during the film – most notably to book Terry Thomas (who plays a Scout Master) for a driving offence.

Terry Thomas was an English comedian and character actor who became known to a worldwide audience through his many films during the 1950s and ’60s. He often portrayed disreputable members of the upper classes, especially cads, toffs and bounders, using his distinctive voice; his costume and props tended to include a monocle, waistcoat and cigarette holder. His striking dress sense was set off by a large gap between his two upper front teeth.

The Sandwich Man (1966)

The Sandwich Man is a 1966 British comedy film starring Michael Bentine, Dora Bryan, Harry H. Corbett, Bernard Cribbins, Diana Dors, Norman Wisdom, Terry-Thomas and Ian Hendry. It was written by Bentine in conjunction with Robert Hartford-Davis. Hartford-Davis also directed the film.

Picture: Michael Bentine The Sandwich Man (1966)

Original Trailer – The Sandwich Man (1966)

Plot synopsis

Bentine takes the leading role, playing Horace Quilby, a mild-mannered widower living in the London Docklands. His job as a sandwich-board man requires him to wander around London wearing morning dress and carrying advertisements. He is also secretary of the Sandwichmen’s Brotherhood. But his real interest in life is pigeon racing, especially ‘Esmerelda’, who is racing from Bordeaux to London.

During the course of one day, Quilby encounters a host of eccentric characters, who are played by some of Britain’s best known comedy and character actors, and becomes involved in a series of capers. The main story thread sees Quilby reunite Sue (Suzy Kendall), a young model with Steven, her errant boyfriend.

Esmerelda wins her race, and the whole of Quilby’s neighbourhood join in the celebrations.

The film was poorly received at the time of its release, but has since achieved some cult status among film fans, particularly for its backdrop of London in the Swinging Sixties.

Motorcycle Policeman Clip – Ian Hendry + Terry Thomas

Stills

Picture: Ian Hendry – The Sandwich Man (1966)

Picture: Ian Hendry + John Junkin – The Sandwich Man (1966)

Picture: Terry Thomas – The Sandwich Man (1966)

POSTER

Picture: Promotional Poster – The Sandwich Man (1966)

Until next time

Best wishes

Neil Hendry
Editor, Official Website of Ian Hendry

Further Reading

A detailed account of the life and work of Ian Hendry in the new biography:

Read:  ‘Send in the Clowns – The Yo Yo Life Of Ian Hendry’ by Gabriel Hershman