Three Hats for Lisa

Three Hats for Lisa a.k.a. One Day in London[1] is a 1965 British musical comedy film directed by Sidney Hayers and starring Joe Brown, Sid James, Sophie Hardy, Una Stubbs and Dave Nelson.[2]

Three young Cockneys take a day off work to meet Lisa Milan, an Italian movie star, at Heathrow airport. She travels with them and their taxi driver in search of some typically British hats. The rule of the game is to steal a hat from its wearer. Lisa wants a bobby's helmet, a businessman's bowler, and the bearskin cap off a palace guard. A musical chase ensues around Swinging Sixties London, evading press and police.

All songs written by Leslie Bricusse, except where noted.

Kine Weekly wrote: "Gay, modern, musical comedy which includes a novel travelogue of London. [...] A bright, tuneful and happy film. ... The music is pleasing without being memorable."[3]

Monthly Film Bulletin wrote: "Neither the composition nor the use of colour is particularly imaginative, which means that visually the film is nothing more than average British fare. But a teenage musical intelligent enough to make ninety-nine minutes pass as swiftly as this does, is welcome on many other counts."[4]

Variety said: "Modest, breezy musical full of good humor. Slick direction and cheerful, young cast make this an above-average British tuner."[5]

Leslie Halliwell opined: "Minor musical , silly, but good to look at."[6]

The Radio Times Guide to Films wrote: "Not even the presence of the great Sidney James can elevate this story of Sophie Hardy's search for three typically English hats. The script, co-written by Carry On regular Talbot Rothwell, raises a few smiles, but the songs signifiy a new low in screen pop music."[7]