Review of A Private Function (1984) by Daniel K — 22 Mar 2011

2: A Private Function actually made me think of the BBC television series "Foyle's War". It isn't even remotely in the same league in terms of quality, and it is certainly not in the same style or genre, but it does highlight a rather interesting reality of WWII/post-WWII life in England: food rationing and the inevitable blackmarket it spawned.

It seems hard to relate to this kind of environment as a contemporary privileged American, but it certainly was the reality across much of the Western world 50 or 60 years ago. The actual story here is quite ludicrous, but only in how it is handled; the barebones plot is probably fairly plausible, apart from the hijinks and complexities involved in actually stealing, finding, and slaughtering of the pig.

There are some great lines, such as Maggie Smith saying in a deadpan and straightforward manner "Well, Gilbert, I think sexual intercourse may be in order", or something to that effect. The marriage proposal scene is pretty amusing as well.

On the whole, I think this style of humor just isn't quite my thing. However, I'm sure it would be better with an audience. It's a funny little picture.