Watch Barnacle Bill

Barnacle Bill is a 1957 British comedy film directed by Charles Frend and starring Alec Guinness, Harry Locke, and Frederick Piper. The film follows the story of retired Navy Captain Ambrose who is living in a small village on the coast of England with his daughter and grandson, and is struggling to make ends meet. He decides to use his naval skills to start a fishing business despite not knowing much about it.

The film opens with Captain Ambrose living a quiet life in his cottage by the sea. He enjoys spending his days fishing and observing the other fishermen in the area. However, his life is turned upside down when he discovers that his daughter has secretly invited a representative from the Ministry of Defense to inspect his house for their plans to build a missile base in the area.

Desperate to avoid losing his home and beloved village, Captain Ambrose decides to take matters into his own hands and start a fishing business. His initial attempts are comically disastrous, as he has to contend with an old, rundown fishing boat that is long past its prime. He quickly realizes that he needs a new boat, and one that can withstand the rough conditions of the Channel.

Captain Ambrose's luck changes when he is approached by a wealthy businessman who offers to lend him his new fishing boat, the 'Tumbleweed'. The boat is in excellent condition and comes with all the latest fishing gear, but there's a catch. The businessman insists that he come along as the skipper to ensure that the boat doesn't get damaged.

Despite their initial reservations, the two men eventually form a close bond, and Captain Ambrose absorbs as much knowledge as he can from his more experienced companion. He learns the art of catching barnacles, a highly prized and valuable delicacy, and discovers that there is a huge demand for them from gourmet restaurants around the country.

Captain Ambrose quickly realizes that he has found the perfect niche market, and the two men start to make a decent living. However, their success attracts the attention of a ruthless and cunning rival who is determined to put them out of business.

The film is filled with numerous comedic situations and wacky characters, including a cantankerous old fisherman who delights in playing tricks on Captain Ambrose, and a particular scene which sees him attempting to navigate his boat through a dense fog with hilarious results.

One of the primary themes of the movie is the idea of perseverance and determination, no matter how difficult the circumstances may be. Captain Ambrose refuses to give up, even when it seems like all hope is lost, and his belief in himself and his abilities eventually pays off.

Another key theme is the importance of friendship, as the two main characters learn to rely on each other and work together in order to achieve their goals. The bond that forms between them is heartwarming and touching, and it is fun to watch their relationship develop and grow throughout the movie.

Overall, Barnacle Bill is an enjoyable, lighthearted film that will appeal to anyone who loves a good comedy. It showcases some fantastic acting from Alec Guinness, who is both hilarious and heartwarming in his portrayal of the bumbling yet determined Captain Ambrose. The supporting cast is also excellent, and the various twists and turns in the plot will keep you on the edge of your seat.

Barnacle Bill is a 1957 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 27 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.8.