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A Private Function (1984)

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Release Date: Mar 11, 1985 Limited

audience

54

liked it
Average Rating: 3.2/5
User Ratings: 2,027

My Rating

Movie Info

A British couple's attempts to circumvent local food-rationing regulations trigger a chaotic series of events in this satirical comedy set in post-World War II England. The couple's scheme centers on a massive hog which has been illegally raised by a local farmer. Seeing a chance to capitalize on pork's scarcity, the ambitious Joyce Chilvers (Maggie Smith) convinces her mild-mannered husband (Michael Palin) to steal the pig. Unfortunately for the Chilverses, a vigilant food inspector is on duty

Jul 5, 2005

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All Critics (9) | Top Critics (3) | Fresh (7) | Rotten (0) | DVD (5)

A gentle and amusing, very English comedy.

April 26, 2013 Full Review Source: Three Movie Buffs
Three Movie Buffs

Entertains, but never dazzles or impresses us with its script, performances, or even production design.

February 26, 2011 Full Review Source: Movie Metropolis
Movie Metropolis

Maggie Smith and Michael Palin hoard a pig in a food-rationed postwar town, and hilarity actually ensues in this largely forgotten gem.

February 6, 2011 Full Review Source: Slant Magazine
Slant Magazine

Click to read the article.

December 31, 2004 Full Review Source: StaciWilson.com
StaciWilson.com

Audience Reviews for A Private Function

A woman with social climbing aspirations compels her husband to steal a pig from rich people despite the town's food rationing program.
This film is chuckle-funny, scattering a few witty moments. The supporting players, especially Richard Griffiths and the great Maggie Smith, are most responsible for the film's good scenes while Michael Palin doesn't do anything extraordinary to create a discernible character, quite unlike his Python work.
Thematically, it's hard to tell what this film is satirizing. It's clear that class is at issue; the upper class characters act ridiculously, and Joyce's societal aspirations seem senseless as a result. But what is going on with the socialist food rationing? Is the film satirizing socialism? The answers to these questions aren't entirely clear.
Overall, good for a few yuks, A Private Function isn't a bad film, but it's ultimately disappointing considering the overwhelming talent of its stars.
August 10, 2012
hunterjt13
Jim Hunter

Super Reviewer

A fun little movie about a couple trying to make it in society during hard times. Love Liz Smith as always along with the rest of the cast.
October 14, 2011
SunilJawahir

Super Reviewer

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