Eddie in August (1970 TV Movie)
7/10
Benny In Love
7 December 2006
Warning: Spoilers
Eddie is one of nature's losers. One day, he meets and falls in love with the lovely Kathy, and sets about trying to woo her. He buys a car from a shady second-hand dealer, but it breaks down as he drives home. His attempts to impress her with his tennis playing technique go awry - he cannot keep up with his much-younger opponent. As attempt after attempt fails, the only place where Eddie can be confidant of any success is his imagination...

As part of Benny Hill's deal with Thames T. V. following his defection from the B. B. C., he got to write, star, compose the music and co-direct ( with John Robins ) this short comedy film. Its been unseen for years, until it resurfaced recently as an extra on one of 'The Benny Hill Annual' D. V. D's. One would dearly love to describe it as a neglected comedy gem; sadly, it is not.

'Eddie In August' was clearly influenced by the work of Jacques Tati and Charlie Chaplin. The storyline provides the ideal framework for a comedy, but inexplicably Hill fails to deliver much by the way of inspired gags. It doesn't even come to life during Eddie's 'Billy Liar' type daydreams. The result is decidedly flat and tedious. It did not do well in the ratings when first broadcast, and Hill soon returned to his regular show.
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