IF YOU DON’T REMEMBER THE SIXTIES, DON’T WORRY – NEITHER DID THEY.
In 1969, two down-on-their-luck actors (Richard E. Grant, Paul McGann) decide they need to get away from London and borrow a cottage in the country, but life there isn’t as comfortable as they expected… A cult favorite in Britain (but perhaps not as much outside its borders), this comedy was inspired by the director’s own experiences. Grant had an impressive breakthrough as Withnail, the emaciated alcoholic with a flair for drama and killer lines, and his gay uncle (allegedly inspired by Franco Zeffirelli) is played with equal gusto by Richard Griffiths. Funny, but not as colorful as one would wish, and the story is more farce than anything else.
1987-Britain. 105 min. Color. Written and directed by Bruce Robinson. Cast: Richard E. Grant (Withnail), Paul McGann (Marwood), Richard Griffiths (Monty), Ralph Brown, Michael Elphick.
Trivia: Co-executive produced by George Harrison; Ringo Starr (as Richard Starkey) is also credited as a music consultant. Daniel Day-Lewis and Kenneth Branagh were allegedly considered for the part of Withnail.
Quote: “I think the carrot infinitely more fascinating than the geranium. The carrot has mystery. Flowers are essentially tarts. Prostitutes for the bees. There is, you’ll agree, a certain ‘je ne sais quoi’ oh so very special about a firm, young carrot.” (Griffiths)