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A Private Function (1984) | | |
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| Customer Reviews:
 An English classic June 20, 2002
16 out of 17 found this review helpful
Absolutely classic portrayal of English manners in a small town in the post-war period, but most of the humour is timeless and side-splittingly funny; some of it is pure slapstick, but there is a lot of sly wit behind the wonderfully-written script (by Alan Bennett, the master of social observation).
Circumstances may change, but people don't and you will recognise all the character types.
Maggie Smith is in fine form as the wife of a chiropodist, prepared to do anything to climb the ladder of social success - although Keeping a pig with diarrhoea in the kitchen of a small house tests her resolve to the limit! Richard Griffiths and Michael Palin excel in their different ways as mild-mannered men oppressed by their womenfolk. Denholm Elliot delivers a classic performance as the extrovert, charming leader of the social elite.
Absolutely delightful and, like the previous reviewer, I can only beg for this to be released on DVD to delight a new audience (and so I can replace my VHS tape before it's completely worn out!).
I miss the war, Gilbert. September 9, 2000
Mr. H. P. Pitfield (London UK)
10 out of 10 found this review helpful
Maggie Smith and Liz Smith - what a combination. The film evokes the bleak period of the post War years in ration Britain. Alan Bennett fans will love the dry wit, the one-liners and performances of "cringing nancy" Gilbert (Palin), Mother "she's 74 you know" (Liz Smith) and a cast of actors you'll recognise from later productions such as "Brassed Off" and "Withnail and I". If only this would be transferred to DVD - my copy is played to death. All I can say is "them's having cream cakes!".
 side-splitting December 31, 2005
Hill Walker (The Pennines of course!)
5 out of 6 found this review helpful
There are moments during this film when one's lower abdomen is close to requiring surgery following the helpless laughter which grips so tightly. Jolly good old british fun!
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