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What Rats Won't Do

  • 1998
  • R
  • 1h 28m
IMDb RATING
6.1/10
812
YOUR RATING
What Rats Won't Do (1998)
ComedyRomance

Soon-to-be-married lawyer Kate Beckenham has landed the case of a lifetime. Her courtroom opponent turns out to be the charming Jack Sullivan, who has never lost a single case.Soon-to-be-married lawyer Kate Beckenham has landed the case of a lifetime. Her courtroom opponent turns out to be the charming Jack Sullivan, who has never lost a single case.Soon-to-be-married lawyer Kate Beckenham has landed the case of a lifetime. Her courtroom opponent turns out to be the charming Jack Sullivan, who has never lost a single case.

  • Director
    • Alastair Reid
  • Writers
    • Steve Coombes
    • Dave Robinson
    • William Osborne
  • Stars
    • James Frain
    • Natascha McElhone
    • Amy Phillips
  • See production info at IMDbPro
  • IMDb RATING
    6.1/10
    812
    YOUR RATING
    • Director
      • Alastair Reid
    • Writers
      • Steve Coombes
      • Dave Robinson
      • William Osborne
    • Stars
      • James Frain
      • Natascha McElhone
      • Amy Phillips
    • 11User reviews
    • 1Critic review
  • See production info at IMDbPro
  • See production info at IMDbPro
  • Photos2

    View Poster
    View Poster

    Top cast43

    Edit
    James Frain
    James Frain
    • Jack
    Natascha McElhone
    Natascha McElhone
    • Kate
    Amy Phillips
    Amy Phillips
    • Ellen
    Valentine Pelka
    Valentine Pelka
    • Graham
    Samantha Bond
    Samantha Bond
    • Jane
    Freddie Jones
    Freddie Jones
    • Judge Foster
    Chris Jury
    Chris Jury
    • Defendant
    Peter Capaldi
    Peter Capaldi
    • Tony
    W. Stephen Gilbert
    W. Stephen Gilbert
    • Foster's Clerk
    Harry Enfield
    Harry Enfield
    • Verger
    Paul Rider
    • Kate's Clerk
    Philip Jackson
    Philip Jackson
    • Jack's Dad
    Georgie Glen
    Georgie Glen
    • Woman with Dog
    Parker Posey
    Parker Posey
    • Mirella
    Charles Dance
    Charles Dance
    • Gerald
    Neville Phillips
    Neville Phillips
    • Steward
    Denis Lill
    Denis Lill
    • Moot Master
    Daniel de la Falaise
    • Drunken Lawyer
    • Director
      • Alastair Reid
    • Writers
      • Steve Coombes
      • Dave Robinson
      • William Osborne
    • All cast & crew
    • Production, box office & more at IMDbPro

    User reviews11

    6.1812
    1
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    10

    Featured reviews

    8jaak-2

    typical english humour-a polished and well turned out comedy romance

    Thoroughly enjoyed this breath of fresh air, after watching a stack of Hollywood-type stuff. Marvellous character parts played by well known British actors. The story line was strong and funny. Pity the leading man wasn't more of a hunk - but still you can't have everything and it did make him more believable in the part. Charles Dance was an absolute hoot. I think he must like playing these parts - did anyone see him in 'Space Truckers'? - an equally entertaining part... I thought that the Court Room scenes were really well done-good old fashioned stuff and entertaining - isn't that what it's all about?
    10Cpridgeon

    A wonderful movie

    I have never been so entertained in my life. This movie is the best I have seen in a long time. James Frain is masterful as Jack Sullivan the dashing barrister and Natascha McElhone is exciteful as Kate(just Kate). Their on screen chemistry leaves you begging and pleading for more. You laugh, you'll delight and it will bring you happy tears of joy.
    6calu84

    Fabulous 90 minutes !

    I had never heard of this film until I heard that it was showing on TV. The plot interested me and I decided to give it a try. It was FABULOUS ! I love romantic comedies and this was going to be my cup of tea. Fans of movies likes Notting Hill,Sliding Doors,Bridget Jones diary.etc will truly love this. Im a bit surprised that the movie didnt get as popular as it should be. I would seriously recommend it , so what r u waiting for !
    leon-berger

    Courts

    I've never managed to catch this move - I see that in the UK it on;y had a TV release.

    However I was an extra on the jury in some of the interior court scenes. They were filmed at Highbury Corner Magistrates Court and I recall tour-de-force cameos from Freddie Jones, Samantha Bond and Charles Dance.

    Not having seen it, I've no idea if there were other courts used, or whether the interior and exterior court scenes were edited as if in the same place.

    I do remember it was the day of Princess Di's funeral and North London was remarkably quiet and empty.

    If anyone has an off-air copy, I'd love to see it!

    Leon
    6kosmasp

    Entertaining little romp

    And it is really made good by the actors and the chemistry they have. Even after the movie (or the plot rather) is over and there is some exchange you can feel it ... well done, which I reckon is also at least a bit of a testament to the script and director.

    It begins kind of vague and flawed in a sense, but once the characters get up and running, there is a funny little flow about it. The cast is well assembled (with some known faces, if you are an avid movie fan) and the story is well told ... if your heart is in the right place and you like teasing a bit ... well a lot sometimes ;)

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    Storyline

    Edit

    Did you know

    Edit
    • Trivia
      James Frain (Jack) & Natascha McElhone (Kate) also worked together in episode 3.12, Mia Culpa (2009), of Californication (2007) as Paul Rider & Karen respectively.
    • Quotes

      Male Diner on Boat: If he is prepared to subject himself to total humiliation in front of all of us...

      Female Diner on Boat: The least you can do is sleep with him

    • Soundtracks
      (Your Love Has Lifted Me) Higher and Higher
      Written by Gary Jackson, Carl Smith and Raynard Miner

      Performed by Jackie Wilson

      Courtesy of Brunswick Records

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    Details

    Edit
    • Release date
      • July 1, 1998 (United States)
    • Country of origin
      • United Kingdom
    • Language
      • English
    • Also known as
      • Donde las dan, las toman
    • Filming locations
      • Royal Courts of Justice, Strand, Holborn, London, England, UK(they argue on the zebra crossing outside)
    • Production company
      • Working Title Films
    • See more company credits at IMDbPro

    Tech specs

    Edit
    • Runtime
      1 hour 28 minutes
    • Color
      • Color
    • Sound mix
      • DTS
    • Aspect ratio
      • 1.85 : 1

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