Tough customers with an allergy to whimsy should probably steer clear of this fanciful, fresh, charmingly funny film. Everyone else, arm yourselves with a box of chocolates, a tissue or two and be prepared to be delighted. Just when we were convinced Film Four and British Screen didn't know a joke if it bit them, along comes writer/director Peter Chelsom - making his feature debut with a real out-of-left-field zinger - inveigling some of their dosh to disprove the theory.
The inspiration for this dotty piece came from the true and curious tale of tenor Josef Locke, "Mr Blackpool" to his ardent post-War fans, whose disappearance - one step ahead of Inland Revenue - in the 50s was followed by the appearance of a singer billed as Mr X who successfully passed himself off for a time as Jo Locke.