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A Private Function (1984)

A Private Function (1984)
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A British couple's attempts to circumvent local food-rationing regulations trigger a chaotic series of events in this satirical comedy set in post-World War II England. The couple's scheme centers on a massive hog which has been illegally raised by a local farmer. Seeing a chance to capitalize on pork's scarcity, the ambitious Joyce Chilvers (Maggie Smith) convinces her mild-mannered husband (Michael Palin) to steal the pig. Unfortunately for the Chilverses, a vigilant food inspector is on duty and determined to stop all such illegal activity. The couple's efforts to hide the pig provide much material for frantic and sometimes grotesque farce. Playwright Alan Bennett's acerbic targets the British class system and the wife's social ambitions. ~ Judd Blaise, All Movie Guide

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Starring:
Michael PalinMaggie Smith, (more)
Director(s):
Malcolm Mowbray
Theatrical MPAA Rating:
R
Format(s):
DVD  |  Blu-ray
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Synopsis of A Private Function

A British couple's attempts to circumvent local food-rationing regulations trigger a chaotic series of events in this satirical comedy set in post-World War II England. The couple's scheme centers on a massive hog which has been illegally raised by a local farmer. Seeing a chance to capitalize on pork's scarcity, the ambitious Joyce Chilvers (Maggie Smith) convinces her mild-mannered husband (Michael Palin) to steal the pig. Unfortunately for the Chilverses, a vigilant food inspector is on duty and determined to stop all such illegal activity. The couple's efforts to hide the pig provide much material for frantic and sometimes grotesque farce. Playwright Alan Bennett's acerbic targets the British class system and the wife's social ambitions. ~ Judd Blaise, All Movie Guide

Theatrical Feature Running Time:
92 mins

Complete Cast of A Private Function


Director(s):
Malcolm Mowbray
Writer(s):
Alan Bennett
Producer(s):
George HarrisonDenis O'BrienMark Shivas
Theatrical MPAA Rating:
R(Adult Language, Adult Situations, Not For Children)
Categories:
ForeignComedy
A Private Function Awards:
  • 1984 - British Academy of Film and Television Arts - Best Supporting Actor
  • 1984 - British Academy of Film and Television Arts - Best Supporting Actress
  • 1984 - British Academy of Film and Television Arts - Best Actress
Warning:  This product is intended for mature audiences only. It may contain violence, sexual content, drug abuse and/or strong language. You must be 17 or older to purchase it. By ordering this item you are certifying that you are at least 17 years of age.

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Member Reviews
 
Lloyd J.

Do yourself a favor, and rent this comedy. You will be amongst the few lucky people to have enjoyed this masterful creation, as it has been a well kept secret from the US audience.

Yes   |   No

 
Chris K.

The fact that Michael Palin and Maggie Smith are in it is what drew me to the film. They are both phenominal. Especially, Maggie Smith. This really is a funny film (for the older audiences) and I would, as others have suggested, urge you to rent this film if you can't decide upon what to rent. The plot seems to be about a village of people that have to deal with small meat rations. The meat vendors are corrupt and are keeping a lot of the meat to themselves so others can't have the meat. Well anyway, there is a pig that is being fattened up by some bigwigs for a dinner that they are planning for a multitude of ritzy guests. When the pedicurist (Palin) finds out about the pig, he steals it and brings it back to his home. He and his wife (Smith) try to kill it, though find it near impossible. This really is worth seeming. The plot is just grand.

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William L.

This movie gets a slow start due to the introduction of several characters, but stick with it for some great dry British humor. Well worth 90 minutes of your life if you like the Brit style.

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