What a Crazy World

Alf Hitchins (Joe Brown), a shiftless, idle East Ender spends his life in dance halls, amusement arcades and cafés to escape from the recrimination and self-preoccupation of the members of his family. He oscillates between the influence of Herbie, an anarchic layabout and Marilyn, his girlfriend. One night he casually composes a song about his world. All his efforts to sell it fail, except one. Instead of a contract he gets a job as delivery boy. This encourages his self-respect and a latent sense of responsibility. When his song is finally published it is an immediate success. Everyone is delighted except his family who remain completely indifferent. They don't even listen to his record. Alf shrugs philosophically. Based on a stage musical performed at Stratford East theatre, London. (British Film Institute (BFI))