Three Men in a Boat

Free television adaptation of the work of the same name by Jerome K. Jerome (1859-1927) written by Tom Stoppard, directed by Stephen Frears and featuring Tim Curry, Michael Palin and Stephen Moore, in the main roles.

A frankly interesting curiosity, not only because it reports on a boat trip on the Thames, from Kingston to Oxford, by three young men, at the end of the 19th century, but also because it features several notable talents, in front of and behind the camera, destined for fame and success.

Palin was already a star in 1975, due to his participation in the Monthy Python series, and Curry debuted, that same year, his most famous role, that of Transvestite, Transylvanian Transsexual, in the cult musical comedy, Rocky Horror Picture Show. Moore would have a long career in film and television, notably in the series Rock Follies or the war classic, A Bridge Too Far. Frears would be one of the most important British directors of his generation, nominated twice for an Oscar for best director (The Grifters and The Queen), winning an Emmy and three BAFTAs. Finally, screenwriter Tom Stoppard also had a hugely successful career, winning an Oscar in 1999 (The Passion of Shakespeare) and nominated for another (Brazil, by Terry Gilliam, another former Python).

With so many stars, this obscure work, made in 1975 for the BBC, gains increased and deserved interest.

The ironic and critical tone of British imperial high society, so Monty Python-like, dominates. But there is also the flavor of travel chronicles, of which Palin would be an excellent maker, through the series he made for the BBC, in which he traveled almost the entire world.

It is not a humor film, in the strictest sense, it is an ironic, critical, fun and elegant chronicle of an era, a culture, a civilization, decadent but brilliant.

A pleasant surprise.

This is a likable piece of fluff where the title really does say it all. In general, it was simply a pleasant film to watch, with few (if any) slow spots, and the occasional scene that was hilarious. It features some good talent, and at barely an hour, it is most certainly worth your time.

I don't think it is quite as good as the 1956 David Tomblinson film, but what we have here is a charming adaptation of a classic book, that is worthy of a little more praise. True, some(emphasis on the some)of the camera-work is a little flat, but considering that it was made in the 70s, and made for TV, it can be forgiven, and it is rather short. The adaptation does look beautiful, with lovely English scenery and sumptuous costumes. The script is lovely, very lyrical and poetic with phrases such as "Dainty dress of spring", and is very true to the book, which is better admittedly. There is also some humour, especially with the chemistry between the two men and the scene in the Hampton Court Maze. Another mention is when Jerome is reading a book on diseases and convinces himself he has them all. I particularly liked Jerome's exclamation "Why does Harris look like a martyr goose?" It was really nice to see the wonderful Tim Curry in an early role, and I thought he was great as Jerome, and this is an example of a film where Curry shouldn't be dismissed as over the top person as he is made out to be. He is given top notch support by Michael Palin as Harris and Stephen Moore as George. All in all, a relaxing and perfectly watchable adaptation, with a 9/10 from me. Bethany Cox.

This delightful and charming movie is wonderfully faithful to the book by Jerome K. Jerome, and is just as funny. I discovered it back in 1978, looking for other roles that Tim Curry had played, and this has become one of my favorite movies of all time. Gently humorous and full of beautiful scenery, the story of three young gentlemen going on a holiday down the Thames can't help but make one laugh.

Finally, this excellent adaptation is available on DVD in the UK (Region 2 DVD), but can be played on region-free DVD players in the US, or one a computer's DVD player if it's set temporarily to Region 2, or made region-free. I've seen it available at several UK retailers online.

I've been waiting since 1978 for a professional release of this delightful little film. :-) jfk

Tim Curry was the reason I wanted to see this, and he's hilarious in it, particularly in one scene where he reads a book about diseases and is convinced he has them all. The piece has a very droll quality and a light touch (courtesy of Frears' excellent direction). Well worth seeking out.