This film is a comedy, and like most, it has some bits that you shouldn't take too seriously!
But it plays out well enough, helped by a mass of British acting talent, plus Bryan Brown (Aussie). A couple of reviews have criticised Dudley Moore, but I daresay he was just as directed, and what else could he have done - spot of juggling?
Richard Griffiths is great, as a naughty businessman, so too Alison Steadman as his long-suffering wife, Bryan Brown keeps a straight face as a would-be hitman, and Penelope Wilton is just perfect (as ever) firstly as a lonely spinster looking for romance, then when she snags the hitman who actually wants to settle down (as a florist!).
Jim Carter enjoys his comedy role as a gangster, and he and Wilton would be reunited a few years later in the excellent Downtown Abbey.
Most 'screwball comedies' have to gloss over some holes in the plot, but, hey folks, it's not real life. This is just like the classic West End farces that Brian Rix appeared in for so many years, with titles like "My aunty's vicar stole my trousers" (etc), misunderstandings galore, characters grabbing the wrong end of every possible stick. And the ending is nicely worked out for all parties, bar the gangsters of course --- well, they'd have to meet a sticky end?! If you want Shakespeare, or opera, you bought the wrong ticket?!
But it plays out well enough, helped by a mass of British acting talent, plus Bryan Brown (Aussie). A couple of reviews have criticised Dudley Moore, but I daresay he was just as directed, and what else could he have done - spot of juggling?
Richard Griffiths is great, as a naughty businessman, so too Alison Steadman as his long-suffering wife, Bryan Brown keeps a straight face as a would-be hitman, and Penelope Wilton is just perfect (as ever) firstly as a lonely spinster looking for romance, then when she snags the hitman who actually wants to settle down (as a florist!).
Jim Carter enjoys his comedy role as a gangster, and he and Wilton would be reunited a few years later in the excellent Downtown Abbey.
Most 'screwball comedies' have to gloss over some holes in the plot, but, hey folks, it's not real life. This is just like the classic West End farces that Brian Rix appeared in for so many years, with titles like "My aunty's vicar stole my trousers" (etc), misunderstandings galore, characters grabbing the wrong end of every possible stick. And the ending is nicely worked out for all parties, bar the gangsters of course --- well, they'd have to meet a sticky end?! If you want Shakespeare, or opera, you bought the wrong ticket?!