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Whisky Galore (Single Disc) [1949]
![Whisky Galore (Single Disc) [1949]](http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51SAc9Pw0oL._SL160_.jpg)
RRP: £15.99
Our Price: £4.50 (subject to change)
A witty and influential film
Review date: 2007-11-14 Rating: 8 out of 10
I've only seen this film once, and I have no doubt that when I watch it again it will only improve. Previous reviewers who have given the film 5 stars may well be right.
It concerns the shortage of Whisky on a Scottish Island. Fortunately a boat containing 50,000 bottles runs aground and a plot is hatched to steal the liqeur from the boat. Opposed to this plan is a local Home Guard Captain, Waggett (wonderfully played by Basil Radford). He is somewhat officious and does everthing in his power to thwart there attempts to get the liquer. In fact I wondered if this was an influence on Captain Mainwaring in Dads Army. The other noteable performance is from Jean Cadell as the terrifying Mrs Campbell, who opposes her sons (Gordon Jackson) plan to marry and is reminisent of the mother in Carrie.
This is well worth buying and watching over and over as I have no doubt it will hold up to repeated viewing. Its very funny in places and like most of the best Ealing comedies, at 80 minutes it doesn't overstay its welcome.
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Reviews
Super
Review date: 2007-10-19 Rating: 10 out of 10
Whisky Galore is a really great film from 1949. Funny and moving. This is a good transfer to DVD and so a really good buy!
Amateur Dram Antics!
Review date: 2007-09-21 Rating: 10 out of 10
Actually, it's all very professional. A gentle comedy about some Scottish islanders who, after weeks without whisky, suddenly find that a ship laden with the stuff, has foundered in their waters. Needless to say, there is high jinks in rescuing (and secreting) the precious cargo on the island of Todday before the Customs, or the officious Captain of the Home Guard, can do anything about it. The casting is first-class, with loads of eccentric locals proving to be more than a match for the outsiders. There are nice sub-plots to savour too. Highly recommended!
A classic.
Review date: 2007-05-10 Rating: 10 out of 10
Sir Compton McKenzie got the inspiration for his book from a real life event.
This is a film I have seen many times and I have read the book. It was lovely to get the DVD and see the extras. It had to be retitled for the American anti-alcohol lobby and the ending had to be altered to show that the Islanders gained no benefit from stealing all that Whisky.
I seem to recall that the times I have watched it before, the ending was different, or perhaps I am confusing it with the book.
The upshot is that the Islanders did not suffer in the slightest from secreting "the water of life" and everyone lived happily ever after.
As a matter of interest, Whisky was rationed and scarce in the UK during the war, yet boatloads were exported to the USA.
WATCH THE FILM - AND - READ THE BOOK!!!!
You will not regret it.
Product Details/Specifications
Actor(s):
Basil Radford
Catherine Lacey
Creators:
Basil Radford (Primary Contributor)
Catherine Lacey (Primary Contributor)
Recording label: Optimum Releasing
Manufacturer: Optimum Releasing
EAN: 5060034576297
Binding: DVD
Number of items: 1
Format: PAL,
Release date: 2006-11-13
Audience rating: Parental Guidance
Running time: 80 minutes
Theatrical release date: 1949
Language: English (Original Language)