The Time of His Life

After decades in prison for a crime he insists and the warden believes he didn't do, Richard Hearn is set free. Actually, he's in the custody of his daughter, Ellen Pollock. She's a socially prominent woman who wants him out of the country. Until that can be arranged, he's staying at the house.

Hearne had become prominent on television in the late 1940 playing his Mr. Pastry character. Here, he's in full cry, stumbling his way into musical instruments, pipes, and so forth, while maintaining a befuddled aspect. Under the direction of Leslie Hiscott -- who had disappeared from movie credits for more than a decade -- he offers a pleasant comedic talent in a low-key story, distressing everyone and saving the day. Hearne would continue playing Biscuit until his death in 1979 at the age of 71. Reportedly, he was offered the lead role in DOCTOR WHO after Jon Pertwee left; his insistence on playing the Doctor as Mr. Biscuit led to Tom Baker getting the part.