Newlyweds Jack and Peggy are fed up with the lack of affordable accomodation and buy a houseboat. It's a rather dilapidated vessel but once settled in they embark on a trip up river. However, with best mate Sid and his new bird Sandra along for the ride things won't quite run to plan.
You know you're in for a good time as soon as Double Bunk's opening credits kick in accompanied by a jaunty ditty sung by co-stars Sid James and Liz Fraser. Sid's onscreen persona never really changed much, but it's as entertaining here as in many of his other films and Liz Fraser is perfectly cast as his other half, a talented comedy performer in her own right. But of course its not just her acting skills that makes her a fondly remembered star of the day and Double Bunk doesn't miss an opportunity to get her to show off her other memorable assets – watch out for a risqué dance number.
Stars Ian Carmichael and Janette Scott, working together again after School For Scoundrels, make for a convincing couple. Once again playing a likeable but gullible optimist Carmichael is in winning form easily persuaded into undertaking a nautical adventure by roguish friend Sid. Scott is his more pragmatic wife and once the foursome start their journey there's plenty to exacerbate her. The fun plot moves from one comic incident to the next with scheming yacht captains and impromptu destinations culminating in a race against time to return to their moorings.
Although not uproariously funny Double Bunk is a gently amusing feel-good comedy that chugs along nicely. Breezily directed it's bolstered by strong leads who are ably supported by such recognisable faces as Dennis Price and Noel Purcell. Add to the mix cameos from Irene Handl and Terry Scott and it makes for a worthy addition to the DVD collection of any fan of vintage British comedy.
