TotalTelly.co.uk
Devoted to Popular, Cult and Retro TV
The Fast Lady [1962]
![The Fast Lady [1962]](http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51N86MRDAYL._SL160_.jpg)
RRP: £9.99
Our Price: £5.93 (subject to change)
Amiable Romp
Review date: 2007-12-17 Rating: 6 out of 10
A local television station introduced me to this charming film. They had purchased a package of films produced by The Rank Organization and threw them on at all hours, with a particular fondness for four-in-the-morning airings. Given to occasional bouts of insomnia, I became familiar with the CARRY-ON films and the DOCTOR films, and non-series items like this one.
The first thing to be made clear is that Julie Christie is NOT the "fast lady" of the title. THAT is a vintage car that almost runs down non-driver Stanley Baxter. The driver is played by James Robertson Justice, whose very pretty daughter, played by Ms. Christie, persuades Baxter that it's time to catch up with the times and buy a car. Since learning to drive seems to be the key to being close to the young lady, he does so. But the slick salesman who sells him the car, played by prime comic rotter Leslie Phillips, also has eyes for Christie, and he sets out to sabotage our hero's driving test . . .
There is nothing earth-shaking about this film; the laughs are quiet and casually-paced, but they come steadily, and the cast does a great job by the script. Robertson Justice is all gruffness and bristles, Baxter is winningly shy, and Phillips sneers and snides and shows great verve while going through his Slick Cad paces. Ken Annankin, who is better known for such Super-Comedies as THOSE MAGNIFICENT MEN IN THEIR FLYING MACHINES and MONTE CARLO OR BUST, is rather better with this modestly-scaled comedy. As for Julie Christie, this is one of the few of her early films where she shows herself to be an actress, not just an Exciting New Personality. I like her better this way.
Similar Products
- Father Came Too! [1963]
- Genevieve -- Special Edition [1953]
- Very Important Person [1961]
- Lucky Jim [1957]
- Double Bunk [1961]
Reviews
A comedy classic!
Review date: 2006-01-15 Rating: 10 out of 10
From the days when we, here in Britain, could produce decent comedy films, comes this little gem. Fantastic cast and great script. Leslie Phillips, Stanley Baxter and James Robertson Justice make a great team, just as they did when they also appeared in Father Came Too.
For anyone who loves this kind of gentle comedy and films like the Carry On series, I can recommend this film wholeheartedly.
The Fast lady
Review date: 2005-06-04 Rating: 8 out of 10
I have this film on video. I found it very amusing, and fast moving. The cast were well matched, and James Robertson Justice, whose demise left a gap in british comedy, was always worth watching. Julie Christie, as well as being dishy, had that streak of rebelliousness, which made her stand out
I disagree with the U.S. contributor about Leslie Phillips, he was charismatic, and his style of sexy womaniser, was very amusing Peter Sellers would, to me, have been miscast. Eric Barker, and Allan Cuthbertson,the latter, the epitome of an elegant englishman, added good support. The talented Stanley Baxter, went on to deserved fame as a comedian, and comedy writer.
Good but Could Be Better!
Review date: 2005-06-01 Rating: 8 out of 10
I though this movies was pretty good. Great script, many funny situations, and gorgeous Jolie Cristie. The only thing that did not quite work for me was the casting of Leslie Phillips in the leading role. He lacked charisma that would make this movie unforgettable. I could see Peter Sellers playing this part. Oh well...
an absolute classic
Review date: 2003-12-30 Rating: 10 out of 10
The fast lady was the first Brittish film I saw and I have to say it is a masterpiece. Great humour, great acting, well chosen actors. Pure non-slapstick comedy, a golden oldie, an absolute classic. Must have for everyone into Brittish comedy!
Product Details/Specifications
Actor(s):
Stanley Baxter
Julie Christie
Leslie Phillips
James Robertson Justice
Kathleen Harrison
Creators:
James Robertson Justice (Primary Contributor)
Leslie Phillips (Primary Contributor)
Reginald H. Wyer (Cinematographer)
Ralph Sheldon (Editor)
Julian Wintle (Producer)
Leslie Parkyn (Producer)
Henry Blyth (Writer)
Jack Davies (Writer)
Keble Howard (Writer)
Director(s):
Recording label: Network
Manufacturer: Network
EAN: 5027626221744
Binding: DVD
Number of items: 1
Format: PAL,
Release date: 2004-02-02
Number of discs: 1
Audience rating: Parental Guidance
Region code: 2
Running time: 95 minutes
Theatrical release date: 1968-05-10
Language: English (Original Language)