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Private Function
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by Paramount
Sales Rank: 33576
Price: $19.98
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This is such a good and well crafted film, it is difficult to accept that it is also a very factual history lesson. <br /> <br />The setting is a small North of England town in 1947. Although WW2 has been over for 2 years, Socialism has greedily kept its iron, war-time hand, on the country as a whole. Shortages are severe and restrictions are strict. Food rationing is still very much in force and government inspectors are plentiful. <br /> <br />The upcoming wedding of Princess Elizabeth to Prince Philip prompts the local 'big-wigs' to engage in actions that are far from legal, in an attempt to hold a civic feast to mark the occasion. A newcomer to the community (Palin), while carrying out his chiropodist's function with much success, doesn't 'fit in' with the local dignitaries - in particular, with the Local Doctor (Denholm Elliott). <br /> <br />After a series of odd - and often hilarious - escapades, Palin and his Class obsessed wife (Maggie Smith) find themselves invited to the civic feast after all. <br /> <br />This film is a true gem of English film humour and genuine acting talent. As a social history of England and its class-conscious society, prior to (say) 1970, it is of the greatest interest and veracity. <br /> <br />The acting, throughout, is first rate and Richard Griffiths, Pete, Postlethwaite and Bill Paterson give exemplary performances as they lead a very talented cast of extras.
Viewer Reviews
Much more reserved than a Monty Python film but Palin's humor is excellently dry in this unique film about a strained married couple during post war WW II England that was stil experiencing shortages, particularly meat. Palin plays a podiatrist married to Maggie Smith, who obviously and reluctantly settled for him as opposed to a more, in her mind, prestigious physician or other socially upward chap. As post war England is still in the midst of a severe meat shortage, requiring rationing, those with meat are much higher up the social ladder and become the "in crowd". And on the flip side, those who suddenly possess meat, whether through legal means or otherwise, can procure money, sex or other special favors. Palin playing the severely reprimanded husband can never seem to please his wife, or have the benefits of any affection what so ever, stumbles across a pig and suddenly his stock rises in the eyes of his wife. One of the funniest scenes is Smith's matter of fact reference to sex that both astonishes and paralyzes Palin as apparently those privileges were severely limited, if granted at all, and perhaps prior inquiries were met with severe abuse. Hence Palin's shock at the mere mention of the possibility. There is a very minor touch of nudity in a limited but humorous sexual scene so for a reasonably mature audience.
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Private Function
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