Up the Front (1972): cast, story & where to watch
1972 · Film · ★ 4.1
Released in 1972, Up the Front is a comedy film directed by Bob Kellett, running about 89 minutes. “When only Frankie's cheek could save Britain from the Hun!” — that tagline sets the tone.
What it’s about. In Frankie Howerd's third Up... film it's World War I and he plays Lurk, an absolute cowerd, er coward. He's evading the call-up for all he's worth. But one evening he's hypnotised by a drunken hypnotist (Stanley Holloway) into being brave, but he fails to be released from it. So with his yellow streak gone Lurk is down that army office before you can say "titter ye not." Off to war he goes, mingling with sexy spies like Zsa Zsa Gabor and before long, the spellbound recruit is heading hot-foot back to Blighty with the Germans' plan of attack tattooed on his bum, and the Germans are bringing up the rear...! Full of sauce, knowing real-life references and witty remarks to camera, this is a cheeky incorrigible final instalment.
Who’s in it. Up the Front stars Frankie Howerd as Lurk, Bill Fraser as Groping, Zsa Zsa Gabor as Mata Hari and William Mervyn as Lord Twithampton, among others.
How it landed. With an audience score of 4.1/10, Up the Front has proved divisive with audiences.
Where to watch. In US you can rent or buy it from Amazon Video. See the full, country-by-country breakdown on our where to watch Up the Front page.
If you liked it. Fans of Up the Front tend to enjoy Forrest Gump, Parasite, Life Is Beautiful and Fight Club.
Frequently asked
- Where can I watch Up the Front (1972)?
- In US, Up the Front is available to rent or buy from Amazon Video. Availability varies by country — check our where-to-watch page for every region.
- Is Up the Front worth watching?
- Up the Front holds an audience score of 4.1 out of 10, and is a strong pick if you enjoy comedy. Reactions are mixed, so it may depend on taste.
- Who stars in Up the Front?
- Up the Front stars Frankie Howerd, Bill Fraser, Zsa Zsa Gabor, William Mervyn and Linda Gray.
- When was Up the Front released?
- Up the Front was released in 1972, with a runtime of about 89 minutes.