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O Lucky Man! (1973)
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Overview
User Rating:
Director:
Writer:
David Sherwin (writer)
Release Date:
20 June 1973 (USA)
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Tagline:
Smile while you're makin' it. Laugh while you're takin' it. Even though you're fakin' it. Nobody's gonna know...
Plot:
This sprawling, surrealist musical serves as an allegory for the pitfalls of capitalism, as it follows...
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Awards:
Nominated for Golden Globe.
Another 2 wins
&
1 nomination
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User Comments:
Some films do not date
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Cast
(Cast overview, first billed only)| Malcolm McDowell | ... | Michael Arnold Travis / Plantation thief | |
| Ralph Richardson | ... | Sir James Burgess / Monty | |
| Rachel Roberts | ... | Gloria Rowe / Madame Paillard / Mrs. Richards | |
| Arthur Lowe | ... | Mr. Duff / Charlie Johnson / Dr. Munda | |
| Helen Mirren | ... | Patricia | |
| Graham Crowden | ... | Stewart / Prof. Millar / Meths Drinker | |
| Peter Jeffrey | ... | Factory chairman / Prison governor | |
| Dandy Nichols | ... | Tea Lady / Neighbour | |
| Mona Washbourne | ... | Neighbour / Usher / Sister Hallett | |
| Philip Stone | ... | Jenkins / Interrogator / Salvation Army major | |
| Mary MacLeod | ... | Mrs. Ball / Salvationist / Vicar'w Wife | |
| Michael Bangerter | ... | William / Interrogator / Assistant / Released prisoner | |
| Wallas Eaton | ... | John Stone (Coffee factory) / Col. Steiger / Prison warder / Meths drinker / Film executive | |
| Warren Clarke | ... | Master of Ceremonies (Nightspot) / Warner / Male nurse | |
| Bill Owen | ... | Supt. Barlow / Insp. Carding |
Additional Details
Also Known As:
Coffee Man (UK) (working title)
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Parents Guide:
Runtime:
183 min | Sweden:168 min
Language:
Color:
Color (Eastmancolor)
Aspect Ratio:
1.85 : 1 more
Sound Mix:
Certification:
Iceland:16 |
UK:X (theatrical release) |
UK:15 |
Brazil:14 |
Australia:M |
Finland:K-16 |
Sweden:15 |
USA:R
Filming Locations:
Company:
Fun Stuff
Trivia:
Because he hailed from Newcastle, Alan Price had a steady supply of Newcastle Brown Ale on set at all times, courtesy of director Lindsay Anderson. A bottle of the beer can be clearly seen on his piano during all the music segments.
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Goofs:
Continuity: The roof of the car is dented by Travis standing on it outside the Government Facility, yet when he returns it is in the process of being destroyed, yet the dent is gone.
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Quotes:
Michael Arnold Travis:
[Chatting up factory girl] Do you realize this Nigerian coffee is being packed straight back to Nigeria?
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Soundtrack:
Changes
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FAQ
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I have seen both versions (there was an edited version in the late seventees that did not include the rescue scene) of "O Lucky Man" several times. I first saw it in London in the mid seventees as I was very impressed by Lindsay Andersons earlier "If", not to mention a fine performance by Malcolm McDowell. The surreal quality of of Andersons allegorical perspective of life in England at the time was reflected in one of the films great lines, "Try not to die like a dog?" Having seen the film several times since (and turned some friends onto Lindsey Anderson), I was truly surprised at how this film has, not only, not dated, but actually has more relevance now than it did some 27 years ago. England, was about to undergo radical changes in both government and economy. The naivety of the care free sixties was well behind us. Major strikes were frequent. Punk was about to explode onto an exhausted music scene. And, soon there would be a new regime of economic rationalists running the country. The mood and pace of "O Lucky Man" seemed to reflect a sense of innocence lost. Troubled times ahead. A sense of fear and mistrust of the prosperity that is so often associated with capitalism and free enterprise. There are even blatant stabs at genetic engineering. But most of all the sense that England was no longer in control of it's own destiny. Through out this vision of uncertainty are some of last centuries finest comic performances. Most notably Aurthur Lowes' 'Dr. Munda' was, and still is, brilliant. WARNING!!! Even though this film does not follow the normal codes and conventions of narrative structure, my next comment is about a scene towards the end of the film. So, if you have not seen "O Lucky Man", but would like to, stop reading now. The best line of all that sums up the mood of this film is delivered by Mick Travis during the audition scene. After being slapped in the face by Lindsay Anderson when he was told to 'smile', he looks straight at the camera, sneers, and says, "What's there to smile about?". All these years later, still brilliant.