Three hot-blooded and sex-starved sailors (Jim Dale, Tom Bell and Ian Bannen) pursue a series of lusty liaisons while on shore leave in 18th-century England in this period comedy.
Derived from Henry Fielding’s 18th-century comedy Rape upon Rape and John Vanbrugh’s Restoration romp The Relapse, this version of the London stage musical comes to the screen minus the songs.
Despite its distinguished origins – and a cast that includes Christopher Plummer, Susannah York and Glynis Johns – it comes across as non-musical slapstick that’s as loud and vulgar as a cheap panto.
Such character names as Mr Squeezum, Lady Clumsey, Lusty, Hoyden and Lady Eager give an idea of the general tone, and the cast plunges in with a will.
Susannah York is enchanting as the tomboy Hilaret; Fenella Fielding incredible as Lady Eager, uttering whispered cries for help when attacked by an attractive man; and Glynis Johns best of all in her lecherous observations on felons in the dock (“Two rapists? Indeed!“)
Lord Foppington
Christopher Plummer
Hilaret
Susannah York
Mrs Squeezum
Glynis Johns
Ramble
Ian Bannen
Shaftoe
Tom Bell
Cloris
Elaine Taylor
Lusty
Jim Dale
Lady Clumsey
Kathleen Harrison
Sir Tunbelly Clumsey
Roy Kinnear
Nell
Georgia Brown
Gossip
Roy Dotrice
Lady Eager
Fenella Fielding
Lord Eager
Paul Dawkins
Hoyden
Vanessa Howard
Mr Justice Squeezum
Peter Bayliss
Coupler
Richard Wordsworth
Bull
Peter Bull
Quill
Trevor Ray
Faithful
Blake Butler
Mr. Justice Worthy
Edward Atienza
Bottle
Roy Pember
Earl of Ware
Fred Emney
Bowsell
Clive Morton
Nurse
Patricia Routledge
Director
Peter Coe