Experience Preferred... But Not Essential

Every other reviewer here hit the nail on the head about this film-- "enchanting", "sweet", "a gem", "beautiful", "charming", all apply to this terrific sleeper of a film. I came across it very late one night on cable TV when I couldn't sleep and was doing some channel-surfing. I had never heard of this film, director Peter Duffell or pretty much anybody in it, so I figured I'd give it a shot, see how bad it was. I couldn't possibly have been more wrong. A lovely, warm, funny, beautifully directed, superbly acted slice of life that just charmed the pants off me. I haven't seen it since--this was in the mid-'80s--and I'd love to see it again. If you ever get the chance, do yourself a HUGE favor and check it out. You won't be disappointed.

"Experience Preferred but not Essential" was, for me, one of those beautifully done esoteric films that deserves to be seen more than once to fully appreciate it humor, insights and writing.

It is akin to another such movie, "She'll be Wearing Pink Pajamas." I really appreciate writers, directors and actors who can delve into a humorous story, dig out the subtle humor and make it work on the big screen.

These are two films I'd really like to get a hold of and to watch again and again. Both films contain the kind of encouragement that one can find one's identity and not be lost in a "majority mentality."

I had this film on VHS when I was a young girl,and I watched it until the tape broke! I would love to watch it again but I can't seem to find a copy anywhere. The characters are so varied and interesting that you find your self drawn into the world behind the running of a busy hotel and in the end your sad to leave all of the colourful characters behind. The storyline is so simple, but so cleverly written it only enhances the enjoyment of the film. What I loved the most about this film was the attention to detail, Annies attic room was a a wonderful piece of set design. I too would loved to have seen what happened to these people a few years on. It's such a shame this hasn't been released on DVD it's such a waste for for it not to be seen.

The character of Annie is the central point of the story. Played by Elizabeth Edmonds, she is awkward, confident, shy, and easy to identify with. Edmonds, who you've probably never seen before, shows off a beautiful humanity in her character. And that is true for the rest of the cast. Each of them are given people with real personalities and eccentricities. Nobody is flat or dull to watch.

This film is directed by Peter Duffell, a man who made little else of note during his career (unless you count "The House That Dripped Blood", and I don't). The style here is somewhat more the territory of producer David Puttnam, who worked on several such films. This is almost the prototype for Bill Forsyth's "Local Hero", which Puttnam produced the following year.

I can't say what it is about "Experience Preferred... But Not Essential". It could be how it brilliantly pulls off an overlong title. Haha. Or the fact that it's so pure and down-to-earth. It's little-seen, that much is sure. So anyone coming across it is certainly free to consider it a personal discovery. Being only available on VHS makes that an ever-rarer possibility. I found it at a tiny store that carries this sort of thing. It's a fun, cheerful, mostly light film. You should enjoy it. I know I did.

I agree - this is a thoroughly delightful film! It puts a new, entirely believable twist on the usual "coming of age" saga, with nicely developed and interesting characters. There are some quirky moments, but they're endearing, not the least bit offensive. I have been looking for a copy of this movie for years, on line as well as at going-out-of-business video stores, to no avail. Every year I check to see if it has been released on DVD...I refuse to give up hope! This is one little film that those of us who already love it want to see again - and are eager to share with a whole new group of group of viewers who are sure to become fans!