Barnacle Bill (1957)

Having weathered many a storm on the high seas, Captain Ambrose descends from a noble lineage of seafarers. Yet, ironic as it may be, he is tormented by an incurable susceptibility to seasickness. With the end of the war, Ambrose trades the unpredictable ocean waves for the firm ground, acquiring a dilapidated amusement pier in the quaint British resort town of Sandcastle-on-Sea. In this sleepy coastal hamlet, however, the prim town council has declared war on fun, outlawing arcade games as a den of gambling. Yet, Captain Ambrose, steering his new command with the precision of a naval vessel, remains undeterred. He dreams of transforming the crumbling pier into a bustling hub of amusement, a modern beacon amidst the town's old-world charm. But the conservative council is not his only adversary. As Ambrose soon discovers, the local commissioners are plotting to seize his beloved pier under the veil of eminent domain laws. A storm is brewing, and the Captain must chart a course through these treacherous waters. But, help emerges from the unlikeliest of places. With a new, unexpected ally at his side, Captain Ambrose concocts an ingenious plan. He registers the pier under a foreign flag, transforming it into a cruise ship at anchor, in a daring bid to liberate his "ship" from the clutches of the land authorities. "Barnacle Bill" is a heartening tale of resilience and ingenuity, where the spirit of adventure navigates the choppy waters of bureaucracy, making waves in a sea of monotony. Embark on this journey with Captain Ambrose as he steers his ship against the tide, charting a course towards uncharted territories of laughter and excitement.

Barnacle Bill is a comedy movie featuring Alec Guinness and directed by Charles Frend.

Barnacle Bill is currently streaming for free (ad-supported) on Plex Player.