The Young Poisoner's Handbook (1995)

TOMATOMETER

86%

——

Critic Consensus: No consensus yet.

AUDIENCE SCORE

83%

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Movie Info

This pitch black British comedy presents an examination of young British fellow who decided to become a professional poisoner in the early 1960's while simultaneously taking a satiric poke at British society and medicine. The film is very loosely based on a true story. Graham is a fourteen-year old genius in chemistry who must live with his appalling family consisting of his dad, wicked step-mother, and sister. Graham begins his career by slowly poisoning his step-mum with tainted sweets and altered medicine. After he offs his uncle in a similar manner, Graham is imprisoned where Dr. Zeigler, who specializes in the treatment of psychopath's, works with him. The doctor is impressed at Graham's genius and believes he can be cured. Seven years later, the supposedly cured Graham is released on parole where he immediately begins where he left off.

Cast

Hugh O'Conor
as Graham
Antony Sher
as Dr. Zeigler
Ruth Sheen
as Molly
Roger Lloyd-Pack
as Fred
Charlotte Coleman
as Winnie
Paul Stacey
as Dennis
Samantha Edmonds
as Sue
Vilma Hollingbery
as Aunt Panty
Frank Mills
as Uncle Jack
Charlie Creed-Miles
as Berridge
Arthur Cox
as Ray
John Thomson
as Nathan
Jean Warren
as Debra
Simon Kunz
as John
Frank Coda
as Billy
Tim Potter
as Simon
Hazel Douglas
as Edna
Roger Frost
as Geoff
Norman Caro
as Mr. Goez
Dorothea Alexander
as Mrs. Goez
Robert Demeger
as Mr. Dexter
Jack Deam
as Mick
Peter Pacey
as Dickie Boone
Rupert Farley
as Nurse Trent
Malcolm Sinclair
as Dr. Triefus
John Abbott
as Chairman
Cate Fowler
as Social Services Lady
Frank Baker
as Placement Officer
David Saville
as Chief Medical Officer
Mark Gordon
as Vicar
Tobias Arnold
as Young Graham
Joost Siedhoff
as Dr. Scott
Anna Kollenda
as Chairman
Katja Kollenda
as Baby Donna
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Critic Reviews for The Young Poisoner's Handbook

All Critics (14) | Top Critics (4)

Not nearly as clever as it thinks it is.

Nov 5, 2002 | Rating: 3/5
Mountain Xpress (Asheville, NC)

The show is a cornucopia of effective cinematic elements. A tour de force and a fascinating story.

Jan 1, 2000 | Rating: 3.5/4 | Full Review…
Internet Reviews
View All Critic Reviews (14)

Audience Reviews for The Young Poisoner's Handbook

½

It doesn't delve into its subjects psyche enough for my taste, but there is a interesting bluntness to its narrative. A Sociopathic Megalomaniac will continue to be a Sociopathic Megalomaniac, regardless of how much dream analysis they undergo.

Alec Barniskis
Alec Barniskis

Super Reviewer

½

"He gave his life to his research, so did his family." [Tagline] The biographical sketch of the protagonist is indeed extraordinary, but the way the events are portrayed herein hampers its effect. Despite fictionalizing the accounts, the movie fails to maintain enough interest. Wish the makers were dedicated enough!!!

familiar stranger
familiar stranger

Super Reviewer

½

I caught this on the dish a while ago and really liked it.

Wu Chouin
Wu Chouin

Super Reviewer

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