Cast overview, first billed only: | |||
Rita Tushingham | ... | Brenda | |
Lynn Redgrave | ... | Yvonne | |
Michael York | ... | Tom Wabe | |
Anna Quayle | ... | Charlotte Brillig | |
Irene Handl | ... | Mrs. Gimble | |
Ian Carmichael | ... | Bobby Mome-Rath | |
Jeremy Lloyd | ... | Jeremy Tove | |
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Toni Palmer | ... | Toni |
George A. Cooper | ... | Irishman | |
Peter Jones | ... | Dominic | |
Arthur Mullard | ... | Cafe Boss | |
Ronnie Stevens | ... | 1st Waiter | |
John Clive | ... | Sweeney Todd manager | |
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Mike Lennox | ... | Disc Jockey |
Sydney Bromley | ... | Tramp |
Two young women from England's northern counties; the plain Brenda and the flamboyant Yvonne, arrive in London to find fame and fortune. Misdirected and separated, they strike out on their own with Yvonne becoming a model and Brenda a waitress. After Brenda sabotages Yvonne's date whom takes advantage of her, they lose their jobs and soon the roles are reversed with Brenda succeeding as a model and Yvonne becoming a waitress. With both of them competing with the other, they soon learn that they have to team up to take on their adversaries in order to succeed. Written by Matt Patay
'Smashing time' is a well-made English comedy, set in the famous Swinging London of the mid-Sixties. And shot in the same city in the same period, adding extra authenticity.
This film is just fun, without any pretense. The hilarious interaction between Rita Tushingham and Lynn Redgrave, successfully coupled as girlfriends, makes it work. Some of its scenes are clearly inspired by Laurel and Hardy.
'Girlfriends', I said. This friendship between the two heterosexual female leads is devoid of any sex. Such a formula wouldn't probably sell today, but back in the Sixties it did. A friendship of this kind makes this film's core.