The English expression is "Queer as a clockwork orange". I suspect
Michael Caine modified it to avoid antagonising anyone. You Americans
have a similar expression involving a three-dollar bill. True Cockney
expressions are usually based on rhyming slang. Here's one for net.movies:
Going to the movies.
is
Going to the dolly mixtures.
Don't get it? The English call the movies, the pictures. Dolly
mixtures is a kind of candy. Simple innit?
regards,
Rob Spray, (a genuine transplanted Cockney)
...ucbvax!nbires!ctvax!rob