Confessions of a Driving Instructor

Another reviewer might have said the Confessions films were cr*p. Driving Instructor is arguably the least worst of the series, but they are one star pictures - if not Bombs. I find this film worth a look for historical interest. Anthony Booth is always dreadful; Robin Askwith a bit more likeable.

It's st. Stephen's Day / Boxing day, and I'm so bored I'm watching Driving Instructor again.

Delighted to see Malchwriter (comment above) get the little add-in bits which highlight why the entire Carry On and Confessions series were such a turning point for British cinema. We might have grown up on them, but Elstree was financially screwed shortly thereafter. Brian Rix did farces which were silly but funny, Confessions is a sort of a farce but wasn't really, and in the '90's 'Allo 'Allo resurrected the entire genre to devastating effect.

But on to why I'd watch it again. Was Sally Adez the girl who passed Robin Askwith as an Instructor (only noticed her name because of "Malchwriter")?. If so, her underwear is a wonderful example of why the '60's and '70's could be so much fun. And Lis Frazer's appearance early on in the film (while the daughter is otherwise engaged) - Beautiful.

Despite having a good cast the film is let down by an abysmal script although I enjoyed some of the jokes it is not a film I would recommend to anyone. Robin Askwith in my opinion could have done alot better but was wasted in the confessions series and why the likes of Windsor Davies and John Le Mesuier appeared is beyond me as both had careers at the time.

"He's a sex maniac Mr Truscott, a sex maniac!" Young randy Timothy Lee and his brother-in-law Sid open up a driving school, the young lady learners can't take their hands off Tim's gear stick (pun intended, ha, ha!). They have a rivalry with a far more established and neighbouring school, owned by kilt wearing Scotsman Mr Truscott. I did not watch the "Confessions" movies in sequence but this is now my final review of them, I enjoyed "Window Cleaner" but was not very impressed with either "Pop Performer" or "Holiday Camp". This, the third movie in the series, is easily the best of the three sequels in my eyes, and probably the only one that I'd care to watch again. The always likeable Robin Askwith is back as Timmy but it is Windsor Davies as Truscott that gets my vote for best character in this film. As with the other entries expect much "Carry On" style farcical comedy but with more sex and nudity. Askwith gets naked with a number of attractive women but it is always very brief and played for laughs as opposed to pornography. Some of the comedy is just plain silly but there were a few funny laugh out loud moments too. The final part of the plot has an hilarious rugby match followed by a car chase, the film does contain some good stunts (and not just during this final part). As someone with an interest in old classics I loved seeing all the vehicles from the period. There is not much swearing to be heard but expect some language that would now be considered politically incorrect. On a trivia note Lewis Collins, who went on to gain fame in the British TV series "The Professionals", plays one of the rugby players. I have scored this 7/10, same as Window, but if I could I'd give it 6.5.

CONFESSIONS OF A DRIVING INSTRUCTOR one for all lovers of highbrow comedy, witty, clever, cool, incisive in it almost devastating portrait of 1970's working class life - Mike Leigh and Ken Loach's films have nothing on this one, obvious inspiration for the later comedies of Richard Curtis - don't worry, just joking - instead it's a very broad unembarrassed Carry On style comedy - If you hate the Carry On's,WATCH SOMETHING ELSE. For the rest of us, there's some great talent on display - and not just in a female sense - Windsor Davies, Avril Angers, the great Irene Handl, Doris Hare, Donald Hewlett, Geoffrey Hughes, George Layton, to name but a few - Best of all is Liz Fraser as the very lusty landlady Mrs Chalmers - She's one landlady who would have no trouble getting her rent - a stunning looking woman, even as here at the age of 43 - very underrated character actress as well - pity she's not seen more these days. She would be a natural now for playing the sort of part that the great Irene plays in this one ( The splendidly named Miss Slenderparts ). See Liz in a later Minder episode, if you have any doubts. Also watch out for Sally Adez as the female instructor - wow, what a babe!. On a trivia note another great character, Sam Kydd featured in the first cut of the film as Mr Gilson but was cut out to bring the running time down to 90 minutes. So give it a chance !.