The Boys in Blue (1982)
A beloved British comedy caper featuring the iconic duo Cannon and Ball as two gloriously inept policemen who stumble into a real-life art heist.
The Boys in Blue - Movie Information
- Original Title: The Boys in Blue
- Release Year: 1982
- Directed by: Val Guest
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Comedy, Family
- Runtime: 1h 31m
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- Release Date (Theatrical): September 20, 1982 (United Kingdom - PG)
- Alternative Titles: Tom und Bobby in Aktion (DE)
- Production Companies: MAM
- Production Countries: United Kingdom
The Boys in Blue - Plot
Sgt. Cannon (Tommy Cannon) and PC Ball (Bobby Ball) run the police station in the quiet town of Little Botham. When the station is threatened with closure due to a lack of crime, they decide to invent some crimes to justify their existence. When they try to steal a painting from a local rich businessman (Roy Kinnear), they accidently stumble across a gang of real art thieves who have just stolen £1 million worth of paintings. It is up to the two bungling cops to stop them escaping with their haul.
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The Boys in Blue - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Val Guest
Main Cast
- Bobby Ball
- Tommy Cannon
- Suzanne Danielle
- Roy Kinnear
- Eric Sykes
- Jack Douglas
- Jon Pertwee
- Edward Judd
- Arthur English
- Eric Francis
Writers
- Val Guest
The Boys in Blue - FAQs
What is The Boys in Blue about?
The Boys in Blue follows two inept policemen, Sgt. Cannon and PC Ball, who run a quiet station threatened with closure. To save their jobs, they decide to invent crimes, but their scheme goes sideways when they accidentally stumble upon a genuine gang of art thieves who have stolen £1 million worth of paintings.
Who are the main actors in The Boys in Blue?
The film stars comedy duo Tommy Cannon and Bobby Ball in the lead roles. The supporting cast includes Suzanne Danielle, Roy Kinnear, Eric Sykes, Jack Douglas, Jon Pertwee, Edward Judd, Arthur English, and Eric Francis, making for a strong ensemble of British comedy talent.
Is The Boys in Blue based on a true story?
No, The Boys in Blue is not based on a true story. It is a fictional comedy loosely inspired by the 1935 British film Ask a Policeman, updated to showcase the popular northern comedy duo Cannon and Ball, who were at the height of their television fame in the early 1980s.
When was The Boys in Blue released?
The Boys in Blue was released on September 20, 1982, in the United Kingdom. It arrived during the peak popularity of Cannon and Ball, capitalising on their hugely successful television variety show which was drawing massive audiences on ITV at the time.
Who directed The Boys in Blue?
The Boys in Blue was directed and written by Val Guest, a veteran British filmmaker with a long career spanning comedy, science fiction, and thriller genres. Guest was known for his work on films such as The Day the Earth Caught Fire and numerous Carry On-adjacent British comedies.
What is the age rating for The Boys in Blue?
The Boys in Blue carries a PG (Parental Guidance) rating in the United Kingdom. The film is a light-hearted, family-friendly comedy with slapstick humour and mild comic situations, making it broadly suitable for younger audiences when watched with a parent or guardian.
How long is The Boys in Blue?
The Boys in Blue has a runtime of 91 minutes, or approximately one hour and thirty-one minutes. It is a compact, briskly paced British comedy that keeps the slapstick antics moving at a lively clip throughout its running time.
Where can you watch The Boys in Blue?
Streaming availability for The Boys in Blue varies by region and platform. To find the most up-to-date viewing options, including rental, purchase, or subscription streaming services available in your area, check JustWatch for a comprehensive and current list of where the film can be watched.
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