He also occasionally worked as an actor, appearing in British films including "Bless 'Em All" (1948) and "Tom Brown's Schooldays" (1951). Bygraves appeared as himself in the 1954 British film musical Harmony Lane directed by Lewis Gilbert. He portrayed the title character in the 1956 film "Charley Moon" and starred in the 1961 drama "Spare the Rod". In 1959, Bygraves bought the past and future rights to the Lionel Bart musical "Oliver!" for £350 at a time when Bart was experiencing severe financial difficulties. Bygraves later sold them for £250,000.