Wilt [1988] [DVD]

Okay, so ‘classic’ may be a little overstating ‘Wilt,’ but, whenever British comedy films are mentioned, it never even gets a look in, which I feel is a little unfair. Yes, there are no real ‘stars’ in the film to broaden its appeal. Mel Smith and Griff Rhys Jones may be easily recognisable faces on UK TV, but it’s unlikely anyone will be too familiar with their work overseas.Perhaps that’s ‘Wilt’s’ major charm – it’s a very British film. And I don’t mean the weird portrayal of British life that Richard Curtis seems to want to sell the worldwide audiences. The plot is simple: Jones plays the titular character, Mr Wilt, who, after years of living with his overbearing wife, finds she’s disappeared. He doesn’t seem that bothered, whereas dopey local detective, played by Mel Smith, feels the need to prove that Wilt is more murderer than he seems.There may be only a few ‘laugh out loud’ moments in the film, but that doesn’t mean that you won’t smile. The humour is, largely, subtle and understated, as are the performances. Perhaps the best way to enjoy the film is to lower your expectations slightly. Don’t go thinking it’s going to be a massively laugh-a-minute ride. Its charm is its poignancy and the feeling of overall sadness about a group of people who, by and large, aren’t really happy with their lives, no matter how hard they pretend to be.If you want something with plenty of poignant, subtle black humour, you may want to give this a try. I’m guessing it’ll only appeal to us Brits, but I’m hoping it’ll also strike a chord with other nationalities, too.

Wilt - faithful attention to the book on the whole, some deviation (blow-up doll aside) but nonetheless both book and film hugely entertaining.Tom Sharpes' acid wit is brought to life in this sardonic swipe at the Police Forces who 'protect and serve' us, and bureaucracy, served up on the same plate with our sympathy being evoked for Wilty. Causing us to ponder on the lives of those other poor devils who are obliged to try and teach in similar environments.Its seems obvious where Sharpe's sympathies lie in the book and this transposes well to the film, the characters of Wilt and Inspector Flint are portrayed brilliantly by that well known comedy duo 'Smith & Jones'. The dialogue, as in the book, is magic!Wilt being tied to a Blow-Up doll, falsely accused of murder, and vainly protesting his innocence. Maintaining the theme of farce, the piece of evidence that could have 'cleared' him, had been used by a toilet-roll challenged Wilt to serve an urgent 'bathroom' need.Tom Sharpe's literary swipes at the corrupt, powerful, snobbish and any other eligible targets never fail to deliver with copious doses of humour, irreverent and bizarre situations and truck loads of irony. To see his books brought to life on film or TV is precious and not to be missed.This film is hugely entertaining. I would suggest an 'evening in' with the DVD and any other like minded individuals and be entertained. Really entertained.

a super comedy this from a pair who work so well, having had a tv series once as well.The whole cast is excellent and storyline is perfect for the job.

Good film, although not the best picture quality unfortunately, it was a bit fuzzy and "blocky", hence why I've dropped a star. But still better than an old VHS tape from when it was on the telly in the mid 90s. I do like this adaptation of Tom Sharpe's novel, even though it does differ from the original book. Smith and Jones are great as always.

If you like this author, this is for you very funny.

I remembered reading the book and seeing this film back in the 80's and have recently re-read the book. As with most adaptations, the film changes a few things but it's funny anyway! I did however prefer the book and the casting of Alison Steadman as Mrs Wilt didn't really correspond to her description in the book and the image I already had in my mind. Good for a laugh though if you like Mel and Griff.

Still hilarious after all these years. Smith and Jones at their best. Perhaps not one for the PC generation or am easily offended Grandma but superb nonetheless.

It's an old film, based on an old book by Tom Sharpe, I'm not much of a reader but I did find the book funnier than the film, I can imagine the film would have been hilarious back in the 90s, but time ticks on and comedy has changed, ah well ...