The Best House in London (1969)

In Victorian London, the British Government attempts a solution to the problem of prostitution by establishing the world's most fabulous brothel.

Director:

Philip Saville

Writer:

Denis Norden

Stars:

David Hemmings, Joanna Pettet, George Sanders

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
David Hemmings	...	Benjamin Oakes / Walter Leybourne
Joanna Pettet	...	Josephine Pacefoot
George Sanders	...	Sir Francis Leybourne
Dany Robin	...	Babette
Warren Mitchell	...	Count Pandolfo
John Bird	...	Home Secretary
William Rushton	...	Sylvester Wall
Bill Fraser	...	Inspector MacPherson
Maurice Denham	...	Editor of 'The Times'
Wolfe Morris	...	Chinese Trade Attache
Martita Hunt	...	Headmistress
Arnold Diamond	...	Charles Dickens
Hugh Burden	...	Lord Tennyson
George Reynolds	...	Lord Alfred Douglas
Jan Holden	...	Lady Dilke

Storyline

In Victorian London, the British Government attempts a solution to the problem of prostitution by establishing the world's most fabulous brothel.

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Plot Keywords:

hot | sex scene | sexy | farce | prostitute | 

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Taglines:

This movie is the best fun in town!

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Genres:

Comedy

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Certificate:

X

Details

Country:

UK

Language:

English

Release Date:

June 1969 (UK)

Also Known As:

A legjobb ház Londonban

Filming Locations:

London, England, UK

Company Credits

Production Co:

Bridge Productions

Technical Specs

Runtime:

105 min

Sound Mix:

Mono (RCA Sound Recording)

Color:

Color (Eastmancolor)

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

The last feature film of Martita Hunt.

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Quotes

Sir Francis Leybourne: [the Attache is sobbing] I thought you people were supposed to be inscrutable?
Chinese Trade Attache: Please, Sir Francis, China doesn't want any more opium.
Sir Francis Leybourne: Oh, do be sensible. You chaps have already lost one war with Great Britain about this.
Chinese Trade Attache: But to force us to buy it...
Sir Francis Leybourne: Well, you signed a treaty agreeing to!
Chinese Trade Attache: Your gunboats were right up our Yangtze!
Sir Francis Leybourne: No use getting hysterical, Mr Feng.
Chinese Trade Attache: Then let me appeal to our friendship; those happy weekends I used to spend at your townhouse; your late wife was always so kind to me...
[...]

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Connections

Referenced in The Magic Garden of Stanley Sweetheart (1970)

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Soundtracks

THE BIRDS OF LONDON TOWN
by Ronnie Cass and Peter Myers

User Reviews

A true romp- silly and hilariously so

What to say about this snapshot of every comedian in Britain being very, very silly? The acting isn't always great, but that isn't what it is about. It is essentially a series of sketches back to back, tacked onto the very slightly naughty plot line involving airships, brothels, opium, social reform, and more. In among all that are some truly inspired moments ("You mutinous dogs! Shoot if you dare....!") is one of the funniest moments of all time, in my opinion. And having John Cleese in such a tiny role? Wow. Also look out for brilliant cameos by such Victorian worthies as Emmeline Pankhurst and Charles Dickens. All in all.... just watch the thing. OK?