A Private Function (DVD)

...town where they live. Meanwhile, a group of local businessmen have bribed a farmer to raise a pig for them on the black market, despite rationing, the aim being to throw a big party for Princess Elizabeth's wedding and impress the local government. When Gilbert's new enterprise in the town is thwarted by the businessmen, he decides to get his own back by kidnapping the pig. But once kidnapped, what is he going to do with the pig? And what will happen ...
...plays Gilbert, in what is a very convincing, if a little dull, performance. Gilbert is a hen-pecked husband, determined to do well to give his wife the lifestyle that she desires. Although the film is a comedy, and Michael Palin is known for his comic turns, this performance is not a particularly funny one - in fact, at times, it is downright depressing, because he is bullied by everyone he comes into conatct with. He does what is required for the ...

sunmeilan 24.11.2008 · Read full review
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Review of A Private Function (DVD)

...it, this should have been a great film. Written by Alan Bennett, one might have expected it to be hilariously funny. It wasn't. With stars including Michael Palin (as podiatrist Gilbert Chilvers), Maggie Smith (his wife, Joyce) and Denholm Elliott (as Dr Charles Swaby), you might have expected outstanding performances. That didn't happen either. What happened instead was a turgid tale of life in postwar England. It's just as well it was a freebie ...
...solicitor and the accountant) have a major function coming up and have bribed a local farmer to fatten up an unlicensed pig. They spend much of their time checking on the pig while trying to avoid the attentions of the local meat inspector. The local butcher is also in on it (his competitors are closed down by the deadly combination of the local meat inspector and the police inspector.) In a parallel story, Chilvers is under pressure from his wife ...

rappinhood 23.08.2005 · Read full review
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Review of A Private Function (DVD)

***INTRO*** A British comedy written by Alan Bennett produced now for DVD mine came as a free gift with the Times. Stars include Michael Palin as Gilbert Chilvers, Maggie Smith as his social climbing wife Joyce and Denholm Elliot as the Doctor. Rated 15 and suitable for people of 15 years and over. Music by John Du Prez. The production of the film includes executives George Harrison (ex Beatle) and Dennis O'Brien. Directed by Malcolm Mowbray. ***THE ...
...still meant rationing. Gilbert Chivers a podiatrist & his wife Joyce move to a new area and increasingly become involved in black market doings. Ham is still contraband due to a shortage of supplies. The town big wigs including the Doctor (Elliot) have enticed a farmer to fatten up an unlicensed pig, Joyce persuades Gilbert to kidnap the animal, and mayhem ensues. ***THE CINEMATIC EXPERIENCE*** The film is very British and not very stunning visually ...

JeffreyB 06.10.2005 (16.10.2005) · Read full review
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Review of A Private Function (DVD)