Raising the Wind (1961): cast, story & where to watch
1961 · Film · ★ 6.8

Released in 1961, Raising the Wind is a comedy film directed by Gerald Thomas, running about 91 minutes. “A laugh in every note!” — that tagline sets the tone.
What it’s about. 'Carry On' director Gerald Thomas helms this comedy caper featuring early appearances by James Robertson Justice, Sid James, Leslie Phillips, Kenneth Williams, Liz Fraser and Eric Barker. The film follows the hi-jinks of a group of music students who move into a shared flat in order to cut costs and have somewhere to practice their instruments. Things get tricky when Mervyn Hughes (Phillips) accidentally sells one of his compositions to an advertising agency and risks losing his scholarship. Can he and his friends find a way to raise the money to buy back the song rights?
Who’s in it. Raising the Wind stars James Robertson Justice as Sir Benjamin Boyd, Leslie Phillips as Mervyn Hughes, Paul Massie as Malcolm Stewart and Kenneth Williams as Harold Chesney, among others.
How it landed. With an audience score of 6.8/10, Raising the Wind has drawn a solid, mixed-to-positive response.
Where to watch. Streaming options change often. See the full, country-by-country breakdown on our where to watch Raising the Wind page.
If you liked it. Fans of Raising the Wind tend to enjoy Forrest Gump, Parasite, Life Is Beautiful and Fight Club.
Frequently asked
- Where can I watch Raising the Wind (1961)?
- Streaming, rental and purchase options for Raising the Wind change frequently. Check our where-to-watch page for the latest availability in your country.
- Is Raising the Wind worth watching?
- Raising the Wind holds an audience score of 6.8 out of 10, and is a strong pick if you enjoy comedy. Reactions are mixed, so it may depend on taste.
- Who stars in Raising the Wind?
- Raising the Wind stars James Robertson Justice, Leslie Phillips, Paul Massie, Kenneth Williams and Liz Fraser.
- When was Raising the Wind released?
- Raising the Wind was released in 1961, with a runtime of about 91 minutes.
