O Lucky Man! (1973)

An apprentice coffee salesman has a series of improbable and ironic adventures that seem designed to challenge his naive idealism.

Director:

Lindsay Anderson

Writers:

David Sherwin (screenplay), Malcolm McDowell (based on an original idea by)

Stars:

Malcolm McDowell, Ralph Richardson, Rachel Roberts

Nominated for 1 Golden Globe. Another 3 wins & 1 nomination.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Malcolm McDowell	...	Mick 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 Burgess / Casting Assistant
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	...	Mary Ball / Salvationist / Vicar's Wife (as Mary Macleod)
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

Storyline

Follows the literal and associated life journey of middle class Brit Mick Travis (Malcolm McDowell), representing the "everyman", as he tries to make his mark in his so far young life. He is able to make great strides in his traditional view of success by being what those in authority want him to be. As such, he achieves in a few weeks what it usually take years for others, namely having his own sales territory, the northeast and ultimately Scotland, for Imperial Coffee. He is also able to garner a plethora of fringe benefits from this job, including women throwing themselves at his feet. But he will ultimately face a struggle in class and authority warfare, which culminates with his encounter with the Burgess family, wealthy industrialist Sir James Burgess (Sir Ralph Richardson) and his daughter Patricia (Dame Helen Mirren), who Mick wants to marry, the former who is contemplating investing in the shady dealings in Zingara. Mick will also find that the class struggle not only applies...

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Plot Keywords:

coffee | social satire | surrealism | traveling salesman | black comedy | 

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Taglines:

Smile while you're makin' it. Laugh while you're takin' it. Even though you're fakin' it. Nobody's gonna know...

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Genres:

Comedy | Drama | Fantasy | Music

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Certificate:

R

Did You Know?

Trivia

Although the actors and actresses in the orgy sequence appear to be rather drunk, they were, in fact, drinking tea.

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Goofs

When the crowd at the "orgy" starts calling for "Chocolate Sandwich" Travis' cigarette suddenly appears in his mouth, where it wasn't an instant before.

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Quotes

Alan Price: [talking about game of chess] If you don't take that castle soon, the National Trust will!

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Alternate Versions

Premiered at the Cannes Film Festival with a running time of 192 mins. First released in the US at 166 minutes.

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Connections

Referenced in The Gambler (2014)

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Soundtracks

Changes
Written by Alan Price

User Reviews

A classic - often overlooked

There is something intriguing about this film. It won't suit everybody, but if you are in a reflective mood you'll find yourself drawn into the story and becoming fascinated by it.

It is a journey through life and its experiences directed with a deftness and real respect for the material. The points are all made with a lightness which somehow makes them all the more effective. You watch the story unfold and are reminded of your own life's progression.

Malcolm McDowell contributed to the script and is just superb in the lead role. He uses exactly the right touch in a perfectly judged performance - it is difficult to imagine anybody else in this part.

A classic often overlooked by mainstream film critics.

Details

Country:

UK USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

20 June 1973 (USA)

Also Known As:

O Lucky Man!

Filming Locations:

Bracknell, Berkshire, England, UK

Company Credits

Production Co:

Memorial Enterprises, Sam

Technical Specs

Runtime:

178 min

Sound Mix:

Mono

Color:

Black and White (opening sequence) Color (Eastmancolor)

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1