An excellent, well written, well acted film that reminds us of the value of quality.

a9064

The beginning of this low-key film caught my attention one afternoon and had me happily attentive for the duration. At a rough estimate, we see only six locations (and only seven major characters), meticulously detailed, and are reminded how modern film has come to rely more and more upon the frivolous car-chase, the flashy explosion, the comic-book stereotype. In a sense, this film follows the best traditions of an English farce, with steady entertaining build-up until the final collapse of tension.

The above comments have noted that the men are homophobic, sexist; they are correct. This film is set at the end of the 1950s - to have it any other way (to satisfy our own, strongly held, tastes) would be a gross insult to the excellent characterisation. Perhaps these viewers should be content with the strong, positive gay subtext running throughout the film - and as to sexism, we could hardly expect that Colonel Hyde would select his unit from those with happy, stable families.

Certainly enjoyable.

score 10/10

a9064 12 January 2008

Reprint: https://www.imdb.com/review/rw1798524/