L'incomparabile Crichton

The Admirable Crichton is an adaptation of J.M. Barrie's role reversal play, taking pot shots at the British class system and starring Kenneth More in the title role, it's something of a little treasure. Basically the plot sees Butler supreme Crichton become the governor of the desert island that he, and the toff family he serves, have been shipwrecked upon. The point being that these rich toffs, tho basically good people, are ill equipped to fend for themselves in the cold hard world. Crichton of course is well prepared for this new life forced upon them. He can cook, swim, catch fish, even start a fire, which none of the rich folk are capable of doing! We are of course asked to suspend a modicum of disbelief, I mean there are four sexy babes on this island and all of them start to fancy Crichton! Yes it's that sort of film folks. But it's a real well told story that is acted with fine skill, particularly from More and the infectious Cecil Parker as Lord Loam, whilst red blooded men such as myself get the benefit of some rather pretty looking ladies, especially Sally Ann Howes as Lady Mary. The ending is never really in doubt, but you know what, in this type of picture I didn't want it any other way. Highly recommended escapism. 7/10

JM Barrie's 1902 play is still entertaining and insightful nearly twelve decades later and really well worth checking out if you haven't already. The cast is a talented one, with Kenneth More deservedly being the most well known name. Have a lot more of Lewis Gilbert's work to see but much of what has already been seen has shown him to be a more than competent director and deserving of more credit, 'Reach for the Sky' and 'Educating Rita' being two examples.

The same can be said for the undervalued and not seen enough 'The Admirable Crichton'. While it is not perfect and may disappoint those that prefer adaptations to be one hundred percent faithful (with Tweeney's expanded role sacrificing some of what made the play so bold in its day), it is a very good film on its own terms (which is a fairer way to judge in my view) with so many good things. Good to see it get a lot of appreciation here.

Will agree that the social status jump does happen too fast and comes out of nowhere to jarring effect, the one thing that required some disbelief suspension.

Also that the ending is on the flat side, too quick and too pat.

So much is great however about 'The Admirable Crichton'. More is perfectly cast, he has such a genial charm about him and was clearly enjoying himself. Even better is Cecil Parker, who in my mind steals the film and some of the best lines come from him, great prissy authority and hilarious comic timing. Sally Ann Howes and Diane Cilento are radiant in appearance and personality. Gilbert directs with class and slickness throughout, his high appreciation for More as an actor is evident in how well he directs him in particular. The cast interact with each other beautifully.

Furthermore, 'The Admirable Crichton' looks great. Loved the sumptuous colour photography and glossy but not too much so art direction. The music is suitably elegant and fits the tone of the story well. The script has great whimsical charm, great insight in social statuses and classes and many lines that induce genuine laughter. The pace is lively. The story is slight but never dull, charmingly quaint, easy to follow and never too silly (not easy to do considering the type of story). It is also to me one of not many stage play to film adaptations from this period to not feel stage-bound or where stage origins are betrayed, and the material is loyally adapted with enough freshness to avoid it from dating.

Overall, very good and undervalued. 8/10.

Fabulous film with a moral to please all. Great cast, great story, great filming. One for everyone to enjoy and not as hammy as some of these older films. See it and judge for yourself !!

Wow what a great film, I can't believe this isn't considered one of the great classics of all time! More is perfect as Crichton, super-butler (and inspiration for the Red Dwarf character), who takes charge when the nice(-ish) but (very) dim family he serves are shipwrecked. Lots of hilarity in the early stages - (especially the classy dialog between Crichton and the ship's captain - "Will she sink?", "Not unless the engine blows up" (BOOM) "What, like that?" - hilarious), then a really nicely worked role-reversal sequence after they have settled in to their island paradise (although the whole "guv"-"daddy" thing sounds a bit strained and weird). Some interesting ideas about people's roles in society, the importance of leadership and heirarchy, in a gorgeous looking movie, with beautiful people in lovely period/desert island clothing, stunning scenery and a great beachhouse rivalling Swiss Family Robinson's. All the characters blossom under the sun and question their own attitudes and status in life, and show some really eye-opening attitudes (for the time) as the blokes start getting frisky. Poor little Tweeny's predicament nearly had me in tears! Looks like it's heading for a sad ending but works out almost lovely, a really enjoyable, heartwarming adventure/romance yarn with a nice chunk of social commentary and toff-bashing thrown in. Thoroughly recommended to anyone who likes a bit of old-fashioned, old-world entertainment now and again.

PARADISE ISLAND (UK title THE ADMIRABLE CRICHTON) is a Technicolor version of the old Barrie classic. Filmed by Rank at the height of its studio period, it stars Kenneth More in the eponymous role as the butler who manages to adapt to life on a desert island. More isn't the most obvious personality to play a butler - his breezy screen persona projected a more louche image than that expected of a gentleman in service - but he makes a good stab at the role. He is complemented in the film by Cecil Parker as his employer. A much underrated actor, Parker was extremely good at playing harassed males of a certain vintage - outwardly authoritative yet inwardly insecure. In this production it's clear that he cannot manage without Crichton. Director Lewis Gilbert handles familiar material with élan, making this a satisfying piece of entertainment.