8.3
Big screen spin-off of the Seventies sitcom. Mildred Roper is determined to make husband George celebrate their wedding anniversary in style, at a posh hotel in London. However, upon arrival George is mistaken by a gangland criminal for a rival hitman, and soon the Ropers find themselves up to their necks in trouble on the wrong side of the law!
Yootha Joyce
Mildred Roper
Brian Murphy
George Roper
Stratford Johns
Harry Pinto
Norman Eshley
Jeffrey Fourmile
Sheila Fearn
Ann Fourmile
Kenneth Cope
Harvey
David Barry
Elvis
Sue Bond
Marlene
Nicholas Bond-Owen
Tristram Fourmile
Neil McCarthy
Eddie
Dudley Sutton
Jacko
Michael Angelis
Café Proprietor
Garfield Morgan
Bridges
Harry Fowler
Fisher
Linda Frith
Angela
Bruce Montague
Spanish Businessman
Robin Parkinson
Receptionist
Hugh Walters
Waiter
Johnnie Wade
Porter
John Carlin
Casino Supervisor
Bridget Brice
Receptionist
Suzanne Owens-Duval
Croupier
Roger Avon
Commissionaire
Dennis Ramsden
Bishop
Caron Gardner
Bishop's 1st Lady
Vicki Michelle
Bishop's 2nd Lady
Mimi De Braie
1st Cleaning Lady
Joan Ware
2nd Cleaning Lady
Director
Peter Frazer Jones
Screenplay
Dick Sharples
April 25, 2014
5
Maybe they have a punk version by the Sock Pistols?
By 1980 the British cinematic trend of converting filmic spin-offs from situation comedies had already run out of steam. Margaret Thatcher had entered Downing Street as PM and the British climate changed considerably. British comedy in the coming decade would see alternative comedy blast through the walls to make a mark, whilst situation comedy shows moved to a different plane to that of their heavily sexed 70s brethren.
George & Mildred was a wonderful show, itself a spin-off from the equally adorable Man About the House, the film suffers, not just as the death knell of a once proud British tradition, but also as a victim of climate change. That it bares little resemblance to what made the show popular in the first place is something used to pound down on the film with, but the production team were trying to keep up, sensing the wind of change they took two much loved characters out of the comfort zone and attempted to keep them viable. Oh it didn't work, not at all, but the will is still admirable.
It's not a great film, it's passable at best because fans of Yootha Joyce and Brian Murphy can at least enjoy their stoic performances. While there are some very good gags in the script. But ultimately it's a tired picture, the set-pieces lack zip, the plot ill advised and underwriting the Roper neighbours, the Fourmiles, is a big mistake. Joyce would die soon after the film's release, a victim to alcoholism aged 53. Sadly this film is no way to remember her, anyone interested in her work are advised to see her 1970s TV output to view a wonderful actress at work. 5/10
Status:
Released
Original Language:
English
Budget:
$0.00
Revenue:
$0.00