There was a certain tradition of sitcom featuring a self-appointed grand lady - a Hyacinth Bucket, a Margo Leadbetter - an insufferably endearing and delusional figure who is inevitably cut down to size before the closing credits roll.
Aunt Glad initially seems to fit the same bill, but any comic potential is quickly and deliberately deflated, as we face a deeply sad, broken figure, clinging to a few airs and graces no one around her believes.
While Jean Boht does a wonderful job in the role, as does Amanda Walker as the genteel rival she is consumed with hatred for, the more compelling part of the film is the culture of the Conservative Club. This aspect is best laid out in a moment where various old ladies fight for their right to play bingo, and you know, even if the man in charge of the festivities doesn't, that this is all they have..
Kieran Lynn is very likeable as Glad's open-faced nephew; his bemused realization of just how right his aunt was about the club and attempts to embrace the chaos of it all are the highlight of the film.
