Man of the Moment (1955 film)

Plotline

Norman, a file clerk in the (fictional) British Ministry of Overseas Affairs, becomes a British delegate to a diplomatic conference in Geneva, as there's no-one else available. He accidentally votes against a motion that would allow intervention in the affairs of the peaceful Pacific island nation of Tawaki. This earns him the gratitude of the Queen of Tawaki, who leaves all matters concerning her nation's future in the hands of 'Honourable Sir Norman'.

The furious governments who want to establish a military base on one of Tawaki's outlying islands, including America, Great Britain and the Soviet Union, shower honours on Norman to persuade him to influence the Queen in their favour. One government sends a glamorous film star to seduce him before killing him, but fails in the attempt. He is then sent a parcel bomb, but he evades it. Finally, they kidnap his new girlfriend Penny. Norman chases the thugs through BBC studios, causing chaos in programmes being transmitted live.

Finally, Norman, now apparently an Ambassador, travels to Tawaki. As he addresses the Queen, a volcanic eruption completely destroys the island the governments had designs on.

Cast

Trivia

The television programmes interrupted by Norman chasing the thugs who kidnapped Penny comprise;

Critical reception