The Horse's Mouth (1958)

In the heart of London's bustling docks, Gulley Jimson, a fiercely passionate but perpetually penniless British artist, sails through life on a crumbling houseboat. His talent is undeniable, his local fame somewhat modest, yet his artistic visions are grand, often transcending the boundaries of societal propriety. Gulley's ceaseless pursuit of the perfect canvas for his art is as relentless as his penchant for landing in trouble, especially when it comes to settling his tab for the occasional pint he can't afford. His artistic journey is frequently interrupted by Nosey Barbon, an aspiring protegé who Gulley views as nothing more than an annoyance. However, a glimmer of hope emerges when Gulley receives a lucrative offer from A.W. Alabaster, representing the affluent Lord and Lady Beeder. Their desire is to acquire one of Gulley's early works, reminiscent of a style they greatly admire. The catch? Gulley's early masterpieces, all nineteen of them, are in the possession of his ex-wife and former muse, Sarah Monday, who used them to repay debts to the unyielding Mr. Hickson. Gulley's persistent attempts to reclaim his paintings have already landed him in jail once, and Hickson is not reluctant to summon the law again should Gulley's perceived harassment persist. Undeterred, Gulley continues his artistic odyssey, often at great personal and external cost. When the Beeders depart for a six-week vacation, they unknowingly leave their living room wall at the mercy of Gulley's irrepressible creativity. Their return reveals a transformed wall, an unexpected national treasure, albeit one featuring a colossal mural of feet that isn't exactly to their taste. Meanwhile, Gulley finds his ultimate canvas in a doomed, war-ravaged church - the wall of his dreams, a surface ripe for the realization of his unyielding visions. The Horse's Mouth is a vibrant exploration of one man's unwavering devotion to his art, a testament to the relentless quest for the perfect wall.

The Horse's Mouth is a comedy movie featuring Alec Guinness.

The Horse's Mouth is currently streaming for free (ad-supported) on Plex and Plex Player and it's also available on Criterion Channel.

It is also possible to buy The Horse's Mouth on Amazon Video and Apple TV.