First heard by yours truly as recited on John Peel's radio show by the Ginger Geezer (Vivian Stanshall) himself this cinematic offering is crammed with the eccentricities of the 'English Country Gent'. The drunken eccentric, Sir Henry 'me-blikin-Rawlin-sunshine' who passes his time drinking excessively, shooting everything that moves, thwarting escapes from his very own POW camp and reliving the bombing of Dresden is played exquisitely by Trevor Howard in an absolute 'tour de force' performance which is undoubtedly one of Howards best. Howard is ably supported by a pot-pourri of classic 'English' comedy actors including Denise Coffey, playing Mrs E, who had previously worked with Stanshall on the classic 60's TV series 'Do Not Adjust Your Set'. In 1980 Sir Henry played out of festival at Cannes to general bafflement. Stanshall described it as a sur-Ealing comedy, a fitting description indeed.
Worth watching again and again
Worth watching again and again