A Private Function
1947 in a small town in England. The war has been won two years prior, but there is still rationing of meat nationwide. But when Princess Elizabeth announces she is going to marry, a group of businessmen decide they wan't to impress (or probably bribe) the local government by throwing a big bash in her honour. However, when word spreads they plan to slaughter an illegally raised pig for the event, an ambitious couple sees a chance to capitalize on pork's scarcity. Joyve Chilvers (Maggie Smith) convinces her mild-mannered husband (Michael Palin) convinces her mild-mannered husband (Michael Palin) to set out to steal the pig and their efforts to hide it provide for frantic and sometimes grotesque hilarity.
Member Reviews
Expected a bit more - kevinm
When I saw the premise of this movie, I thought it would be quite funny. It fell a bit short, and sometimes got quite dull. Maggie Smith and Michael Palin make the movie, as they almost always do, and the supporting players hold their own. A good movie, but could have been better.give it a chance - clementine
This was a bit of a slow starter, and the rich snob characters are such over-the-top caricatures that I found it slightly annoying early on. But Michael Palin and Maggie Smith never disappoint, and the scenes with the pig in the house would be worth the price of admission regardless of anything else. In the end, it's a slightly heavy-handed social satire and a good measure of silly fun.
Member Reviews
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Expected a bit more - kevinm
When I saw the premise of this movie, I thought it would be quite funny. It fell a bit short, and sometimes got quite dull. Maggie Smith and Michael Palin make the movie, as they almost always do, and the supporting players hold their own. A good movie, but ...give it a chance - clementine
This was a bit of a slow starter, and the rich snob characters are such over-the-top caricatures that I found it slightly annoying early on. But Michael Palin and Maggie Smith never disappoint, and the scenes with the pig in the house would be worth the price ...