A Private Function (1984)

1947 in a small town in England. The war has been won two years ago, but there's still rationing of meat. When princess Elizabeth is going to marry, a group of businessmen wants to impress ... See full summary »

Director:

Malcolm Mowbray

Writers:

Alan Bennett, Alan Bennett (story),

Stars:

Michael Palin, Maggie Smith, Denholm Elliott

Won 3 BAFTA Film Awards. Another 3 wins & 3 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Michael Palin	...	Gilbert Chilvers
Maggie Smith	...	Joyce Chilvers
Denholm Elliott	...	Dr. Charles Swaby
Richard Griffiths	...	Henry Allardyce the Accountant
Tony Haygarth	...	Leonard Sutcliff the Farmer
John Normington	...	Frank Lockwood the Solicitor
Bill Paterson	...	Morris Wormold the Meat Inspector
Liz Smith	...	Joyce's Mother
Alison Steadman	...	Mrs. Allardyce
Jim Carter	...	Inspector Noble
Pete Postlethwaite	...	Douglas J. Nuttol the Butcher
Eileen O'Brien	...	Mrs. Sutcliff
Rachel Davies	...	Mrs. Forbes, Wormold's Landlady
Reece Dinsdale	...	P.C. Penny
Philip Whileman	...	Preston Sutcliff (as Philip Wileman)

Storyline

1947 in a small town in England. The war has been won two years ago, but there's still rationing of meat. When princess Elizabeth is going to marry, a group of businessmen wants to impress (or probably bribe) the local government by giving a big party. They want to slaughter an illegally raised pig for this event. Unfortunately someone steals the pig.

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Plot Keywords:

pig | husband wife relationship | 1940s | breaking the law | movie theater | 

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Taglines:

Vicious, Delicious and Tasteless.

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Genres:

Comedy

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Certificate:

R

Details

Country:

UK

Language:

English

Release Date:

11 March 1985 (USA)

Also Known As:

Función privada

Filming Locations:

Barnoldswick, Lancashire, England, UK

Company Credits

Production Co:

HandMade Films

Technical Specs

Runtime:

94 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Debut theatrical feature film directed by Malcolm Mowbray.

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Quotes

Joyce Chilvers: I want a future that lives up to my past.

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Connections

References Monty Python's Flying Circus (1969)

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Soundtracks

"Rose of England"
Music by Ivor Novello
Played on piano by Maggie Smith

User Reviews

I miss the war....

Life after WWII was bleak in England. Rationing was hitting hard, but spirits were lifted by the forthcoming royal marriage of Elizabeth and Philip. This slice of village life takes a poke at stiff England and the trials and tribulations of getting a slap up feast on the table for the local VIPs to celebrate the marriage. Michael Palin is the wimp, and marvellous Maggie Smith is the "trousers" in the relationship. Lots of lovely one-liners to treasure.