Reviews (28)

Unsteady "Jabberwocky"
Anyone who has read Lewis Carroll's classic children's tales will remember "Jabberwocky," the screwball poem about a young man slaying the fearsome Jabberwock. While there are some likable moments in "Jabberwocky," it never really pulls itself together.

Dennis Cooper (Michael Palin) is disinherited by his about-to-die father, penniless, and inexplicably in love with the obese, potato-crunching, none-too-pleasant Griselda Fishfinger. So Dennis heads off to the city, only to learn that the fearsome Jabberwock, a horrendous monster that devours everything except the head and bones of its victims, is attacking the city.

King Bruno (Max Wall) has promised his romantic-minded daughter's hand to the one who slays the Jabberwock, and the princess duly falls in love with the hapless Dennis. So somehow this "beamish boy" ends up being sent out against the Jabberwock in a horrific wasteland.

It's hard to tell what the vision behind "Jabberwocky" was, but it came across as a limp spinoff of "Monty Python and the Holy Grail." It has the same grimy, icky medieval look, klunky knights and abundance of filthy beggars, but it doesn't manage to be similarly hilarious. Is it a farce? A dark fairy-tale? The evil twin of "Holy Grail"? I was never really sure, and sometimes I wasn't sure if Gilliam was either. He flipflops through all three.

The Jabberwock is pretty good; though nobody could say it looks real, it's entertaining. The jokes are often either stretched out to the breaking point, or repeated over and over (like the urination joke). And while the tale of Dennis is engaging, there's no twist or offbeat quirk to make it really engaging. It proceeds and ends just as you'd expect it to.

Michael Palin is the saving grace of the movie. He's wonderfully bewildered as events spin out of his control, especially when the princess greets him stark naked. Max Wall gives a pleasantly offbeat performance as King Bruno,

So take up your vorpal blade, head off through the Tulgey Wood, and burble your way over to one of Gilliam's more cohesive works. This isn't one of them, unless you're a die-hard fan of Palin.

Should NOT be rated PG!
I saw this at a store one time and was intrigued because it shared the name of a classic Lewis Carroll poem, which I have memorized. The Monty Python name worried me (you know how British humor is), but it was rated PG. I asked my mom if we could buy it or buy it when I would be getting my tonsils out. Boy, am I glad we didn't buy it!

So we rented it, although I was the only one who watched it- really, half watched it.

The first scene was violent, and all throughout was potty humor and a glimpse or two of a male backside without clothes. Oh, well, I thought.
About halfway through the movie there was one particular scene. It showed the full nude back (from head to ankles) of a woman. She then started to turn around. No, I thought, they wouldn't show nudity in a PG movie. I could see her full nude side. I then put my hands about two feet away from my eyes, blocking the screen, but what I could still see was that she was continuing to turn, which meant that there was full frontal nudity of a woman. It wasn't long before she was dressed again, but I didn't care. I turned it off and didn't even watch the rest.
So you've probably figured by now I'm a prude, but I know I'm not the only one who will be offended so I thought I'd warn you.

What is it?
I'm a great fan of the Pythons, and this was the first "independent" film of theirs that I've seen. Overall, I enjoyed it, but I also found it confusing. It has some wonderfully funny moments, but it also has some serious moments. It is a comedy, and it is dark, but it is not a dark comedy. It's as if the movie can't decide which to be. The result is that you want to care about the characters, but you also want bad things to happen to them, because it would be funny. This is confusing, and ulimately annoying.

Sub-Python, and also not Python
When I went to see this in the late 1970s, I assumed it was another Python spin-off. After all, any film containing Terry Jones, Terry Gilliam and Michale Palin has to be at least half-Python. But as a comedy, the film left me strangely dissatisfied.

It is only now, browsing the DVD packaging some 25 years later, that I realise why I was so disappointed. The problem is that the writers were Terry Gilliam and (mainly) Charles Alverson. Much as I like Gilliam's animations, I have to admit that he was, at best, a minor contributor to Python's classic sketches. I hadn't heard of Alverson before, but according to the amazon site, he is largely the compiler of out-of-print joke books.

Whereas 'Monty Python and the Holy Grail' contains many sketches (e.g. the autonomous collective peasants scene and the witch scene), there is nothing here that could stand on its own as a sketch. There are many amusing moments in 'Jabberwocky', but nothing that builds up, through Python's relentless pursuit of the logic of the ridiculous, into a self-contained sketch. Where the script tries to imitate the Python style -- e.g. the king's decision to kill the herald -- it often falls flat, or at best elicits a mild chuckle.

Watch this for its atmosphere, for the much-improved sound quality, for the strength of the supporting cast (e.g. John Bird and Graham Crowden in minor roles) and for its pointers to Gilliam's future directorial career. Just don't expect the humour to be at Python's level.

I'd pay full price to see this at the movies.
I normally don't see movies or check out videos because I don't really find anything that I really want to see. Everything is a a variation of a tired theme. Jabberwocky is anything but that. I really liked the fact that it wasn't predictable, there was a story to it, and I could laugh at it. Don't expect "Holy Grail" or "Meaning of Life" slapstick. The humor is often more subtle, punctuated by the really absurd moments. Although there is certainly social commentary in there, you can also see the movie as a movie for its own sake, which is the sign of a truly great film. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Take a stolen dinosaur skeleton and microfilm, throw in some sleuthingnannies and a Chinese secret agent, and let the adventure begin. This is alight, frothy family comedy that revolves around British Lord Southmere (DerekNimmo), who has smuggled a piece of microfilm containing "Lotus X" out of China.Once back in England, he is followed by Chinese spies. Lord Southmere escapesinto the Natural History Museum and hides the microfilm on a dinosaur skeleton.After doing so, he receives a rather nasty bump on the head that leaves himdazed. As luck would have it, his old nanny, Hettie (Helen Hayes), is alsovisiting the museum that day, but their reunion is short-lived. Lord Southmerehas barely enough time to tell Hettie that he hid the microfilm on a dinosaur,and that she must recover it, before he falls unconscious. Chinese intelligenceagent Hnup Wan (Peter Ustinov) captures Southmere. He also wants the microfilm.So the race is on between Hettie and Hnup Wan as to who will find the microfilmfirst. It's a wacky chase set in the backdrop of foggy London, England. Thestory is engaging and fun. But as this movie was shot in 1975, there are a fewthings that are somewhat unsettling, including making all the villains Chinese,and cardboard caricatures at that. --Peggy Maltby-Etra ... Read more

Reviews (3)

One of the funniest films of all time
On last viewing I noticed how one of the many running gags is the send-up of Nanny lore and wisdom. ("Nanny knows best - ring a bell?" Hnup Wan reminds Lord Southmere.) The script is excellent, and great British character actors fill minor roles (the home secretary! the detective team! the museum director!). Even Joan (Miss Marple) Hickson has a tiny non-speaking role. Main flaws are the cardboard and far too sunny Soho, and the casting of occidentals as Chinese with caricature accents and ridiculous eye make up. But somehow Peter Ustinov and Bernard Bresslaw (as Hnup Wan and his looming henchman) are essential. Enjoy!

Fun 70's Disney Comedy
One Of Our Dinasaurs Is Missing didn't quite enjoy the heights of success it was anticipated to by Disney. Its a shame as this is actually an enjoyable, fun comedy with a cast of stars that includes Peter Unistov, Helen Hayes, Derek Nimmo and Joan Sims, who was more famous for her appearances in the classic Carry On film series. A top secret formula is hidden by aristocrat Derek Nimmo inside the skeleton of a dinasaur at the natural History Museum in London. Peter Unistov is mildly amusing as a Chinese agent where as Helen Hayes and Joan Sims are leaders of a gang of unlikeley nannies that even Mary Poppins wouldn't join! Livening things up is a silly, though amusing car chase, lots of kung fu fighting and some flamboyantly over-the-top acting makes this an overly good and entertaining film thats defintley worth a look.

VERY FUNNY
this film is awesome. its one of those must see silly films. a group of nannies telling the grown men in this film what to do! a laugh a minute. ... Read more

Reviews (20)

A must see for Harrison Ford fans!!
One of Harrison Ford's underrated best. Set during WWII, when Ford meet Leslie Ann Down the two can't help but fall in love because the sparks fly. The problem? She is married and truly loves her husband (Christopher Plummer) but can't help but be attacted to the dashing Ford who is a dare-devil ace bomber pilot. The stronger the attraction grows, the more cautious Ford gets in flying his missions. When fate send him on a mission with her husband, you can't help but not know who to root for. A really beautiful, bitter-sweet love story with enough action to keep the guys interested. Ladies - get out the tissue for this one. It is great!!!

ROMANCE ISN'T DEAD!
I first saw this movie about ten years ago, late at night, on my own and was pleasantly surprised. I had never even heard of it before. It is set during the 1940s during wartime - Harrison Ford and Lesley Anne Down meet accidently on - yes you've guessed it Hanover Street! - and of course they fall in love. There is only one problem Lesley Anne is married, but they both can't resist each other and even though you know it's naughty you just want them to go for it! I'll not say any more about the plot because I don't want to give too much away - but the ending is sad - so get those tissues handy! The chemistry between the two lead actors is superb and the photography and action scenes are good too. A brilliant little "Sunday afternoon" film.

Shame no one knows it
Hanover Street is definitely one of Ford's finest movies ever! The movie is unfairly underrated and as a result very few have ever seen it. It's a shame too, this movie is fantastic!! I love, love, love it!! World War Two... Harrison Ford... Romance... what's not to love?

Harrison Ford and Lesley-Anne Down fall in love during war.
Yet another World War II picture of a war-torn young man and a young woman who meet by chance and quickly fall in love. It all happens so quick. But what makes this film different than the others is a 36 year old Harrison Ford (who looks like he's 23) and Lesley-Anne Down star in the film. Harrison Ford did this film before he made Raiders of The Lost Ark and the other "Indiana Jones" films. This film plays like a soap opera and tries really hard to stir up emotion for you. This story has an interesting twist. Also in the cast is Christopher Plummer, Richard Masur, Patsy Kensit and John Ratenberger. DVD is in wide-screen format. Also includes Director's Audio Commentary and bonus trailers.

a young Ford and Down
A bad Harrison Ford movie. Those who like the simulated sex may rate it higher, it wasn't much better than fair (2 stars) though. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

"Dogs are not like people."
In the film "We think the World of You" Frank (Alan Bates) is a middle-aged Londoner who has a relationship with married Johnny (Gary Oldman). When Johnny is sent to prison for burglary, Frank offers to help out in any way he can. Frank really means that he's prepared to offer financial help, and when Johnny asks Frank to take his rambunctious pet Alsatian, Evie, Frank immediately refuses.

Frank later has reason to regret his refusal of Evie. Eager for news of Johnny, Frank visits Johnny's mother, Millie and her depressing husband, Tom in their dreary home. Frank's quests for news indicate how truly desperate he is, for he obviously loathes every moment he's forced to spend in their company. He is hilariously uncomfortable in this awkward situation. While Millie and Tom are busily worshipping Dickie, Johnny's baby, Evie is neglected and mistreated. Frank begins to take an interest in Evie, and suddenly everyone starts arguing about who should have custody of Evie. Everyone is fighting to keep the dog, and yet no one really wants her.

Gary Oldman as the weasel-like Johnny is great in this role. Alan Bates is marvelous as Frank--the man who gets mixed up with people he wished he'd never met. But it's the story of Frank's relationship with Evie that steals the film. This is not some sort of sentimental animal film--it's about love and possession. The term 'we think the world of you' crops up throughout the film. Frank is utterly sick of the phrase, as it becomes a term used to cloak and excuse all sorts of neglect and abandonment. Love and commitment in the film exist only between Frank and Evie, and while this film is very funny, it also has serious overtones--displacedhuman

MONDO CANE ET HOMME
DELICIOUS! Utterly delicious lettle gem of a movie with brilliant Alan Bates and Gary Oldman as likely bedfellows - with 'Rover' as colateral assets!

This lost gem belongs with the classic 'Ealing Comedies' - it's a guilty little pleasure - too long tucked away in VHS land - should be released intact on DVD!

Really a very funny, odd and touching movie. [Good double bill with "Prick Up Your Ears" - also dark and saucy ....]

a little gem from the UK
An overlooked film about two men and a dog. Bates, though he tries to successfully bridge the gap between his own middle-class status and the working-class status of his ex-lover (Goldman), eventually comes to terms by settling down with the bloke's dog...he thereby discovers the unconditional love he has sought all along. A cinematic tribute to those of us who have loved, then lost, then found solace in a precious pet. Liked this movie very much!

Quirky and perceptive dog lovers movie
This is a delightful British film full of little character revelations and surprises. It tells how Alan Bates's urbane homosexual lifestyle is disrupted when his heart is captivated by a mistreated dog, which is then held hostage by people who realize that he cares for it. I wish this were on DVD so I could read the captions in English because the English accents can be a little tough to follow. My VHS copy is so worn from lending to friends that I will have to buy another soon. ... Read more

Reviews (20)

A must see for Harrison Ford fans!!
One of Harrison Ford's underrated best. Set during WWII, when Ford meet Leslie Ann Down the two can't help but fall in love because the sparks fly. The problem? She is married and truly loves her husband (Christopher Plummer) but can't help but be attacted to the dashing Ford who is a dare-devil ace bomber pilot. The stronger the attraction grows, the more cautious Ford gets in flying his missions. When fate send him on a mission with her husband, you can't help but not know who to root for. A really beautiful, bitter-sweet love story with enough action to keep the guys interested. Ladies - get out the tissue for this one. It is great!!!

ROMANCE ISN'T DEAD!
I first saw this movie about ten years ago, late at night, on my own and was pleasantly surprised. I had never even heard of it before. It is set during the 1940s during wartime - Harrison Ford and Lesley Anne Down meet accidently on - yes you've guessed it Hanover Street! - and of course they fall in love. There is only one problem Lesley Anne is married, but they both can't resist each other and even though you know it's naughty you just want them to go for it! I'll not say any more about the plot because I don't want to give too much away - but the ending is sad - so get those tissues handy! The chemistry between the two lead actors is superb and the photography and action scenes are good too. A brilliant little "Sunday afternoon" film.

Shame no one knows it
Hanover Street is definitely one of Ford's finest movies ever! The movie is unfairly underrated and as a result very few have ever seen it. It's a shame too, this movie is fantastic!! I love, love, love it!! World War Two... Harrison Ford... Romance... what's not to love?

Harrison Ford and Lesley-Anne Down fall in love during war.
Yet another World War II picture of a war-torn young man and a young woman who meet by chance and quickly fall in love. It all happens so quick. But what makes this film different than the others is a 36 year old Harrison Ford (who looks like he's 23) and Lesley-Anne Down star in the film. Harrison Ford did this film before he made Raiders of The Lost Ark and the other "Indiana Jones" films. This film plays like a soap opera and tries really hard to stir up emotion for you. This story has an interesting twist. Also in the cast is Christopher Plummer, Richard Masur, Patsy Kensit and John Ratenberger. DVD is in wide-screen format. Also includes Director's Audio Commentary and bonus trailers.

a young Ford and Down
A bad Harrison Ford movie. Those who like the simulated sex may rate it higher, it wasn't much better than fair (2 stars) though. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

A nice romantic comedy for a rainy day.
For those of us romantics at heart, this is a wonderful short, sweet, and funny romantic comedy to watch on a rainy day- or any day for that matter. Molly Ringwald gives a fine performance. However, I fell in love with Robert Lindsay's character and became an instant fan of his after this performance. This story makes you believe that "love-at-first-sight" is possible, and that "with money or love, you've got to gamble to strike it rich". You'll walk away from the story believing that being "lucky" in love is the "richest" reward. ... Read more