British Comedy Guide
A Private Function. Image shows from L to R: Gilbert Chilvers (Michael Palin), Joyce Chilvers (Maggie Smith)
A Private Function

A Private Function

  • 1984 film

Satire about food rationing and social climbing, set amidst post-war austerity Britain. Stars Michael Palin, Maggie Smith, Denholm Elliott, Richard Griffiths, Tony Haygarth and more.

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A Private Function. Image shows from L to R: Joyce Chilvers (Maggie Smith), Gilbert Chilvers (Michael Palin)

Key details

Genre
Film
Released
1984
Creators
Alan Bennett and Malcolm Mowbray
Stars
Michael Palin, Maggie Smith, Denholm Elliott, Richard Griffiths, Tony Haygarth, John Normington, Bill Paterson, Liz Smith and more
Writer
Alan Bennett
Director
Malcolm Mowbray
Producers
Mark Shivas, George Harrison and Denis O'Brien
Company

In post-war, austerity 1947 Britain, life is dominated by food rationing and the strict orders of social climbing.

And in a small Yorkshire town, near the top of the social pecking order are the local property owner, doctor and account; a trio of businessmen who've got together with a local farmer to raise an illicit pig in order to impress county bigwigs by hosting a sumptuous dinner to celebrate heir to the throne Princess Elizabeth's marriage to Prince Philip.

For newcomers Joyce Chilvers and husband Gilbert, a chiropodist, life is very different indeed. She longs to climb the ladder of local society but his business annoys Doctor Swavey from the off, and a series of unfortunate mishaps don't help matters any.

However, with local inspector Wormold on a tyrannical hunt for illegal meat, Joyce spots an opportunity when Gilbert stumbles across the group's pig, Betty, secreted in nearby woodland. It seems that a spot of good old-fashioned blackmail is called for.

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Additional details

UK certificate
15
Duration
94 minutes
UK release
Friday 23rd November 1984
Production
Studio
Picture
Colour
Soundtrack
Music composed and conducted by John Du Prez, performed by The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra.

Website links

Broadcast details

Most recent repeats
  • Thursday 7th September 2023 at 1:50am on TPTV
  • Wednesday 31st May 2023 at 11:15pm on TPTV
  • Monday 20th February 2023 at 9:00pm on TPTV

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