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Porc royal

Original title: A Private Function
  • 1984
  • Tous publics
  • 1h 32m
IMDb RATING
6.5/10
3.6K
YOUR RATING
Denholm Elliott, Michael Palin, Maggie Smith, and Richard Griffiths in Porc royal (1984)
Trailer for A Private Function
Play trailer2:33
1 Video
17 Photos
SatireComedy

In post-World War II Britain, food rationing continues, leading a married couple to become involved in the flourishing bacon black market.In post-World War II Britain, food rationing continues, leading a married couple to become involved in the flourishing bacon black market.In post-World War II Britain, food rationing continues, leading a married couple to become involved in the flourishing bacon black market.

  • Director
    • Malcolm Mowbray
  • Writers
    • Alan Bennett
    • Malcolm Mowbray
  • Stars
    • Michael Palin
    • Maggie Smith
    • Denholm Elliott
  • See production info at IMDbPro
  • IMDb RATING
    6.5/10
    3.6K
    YOUR RATING
    • Director
      • Malcolm Mowbray
    • Writers
      • Alan Bennett
      • Malcolm Mowbray
    • Stars
      • Michael Palin
      • Maggie Smith
      • Denholm Elliott
    • 31User reviews
    • 19Critic reviews
  • See production info at IMDbPro
    • Won 3 BAFTA Awards
      • 6 wins & 3 nominations total

    Videos1

    A Private Function
    Trailer 2:33
    A Private Function

    Photos17

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    Top cast33

    Edit
    Michael Palin
    Michael Palin
    • Gilbert Chilvers
    Maggie Smith
    Maggie Smith
    • Joyce Chilvers
    Denholm Elliott
    Denholm Elliott
    • Dr. Swaby
    Richard Griffiths
    Richard Griffiths
    • Allardyce
    Tony Haygarth
    Tony Haygarth
    • Sutcliff
    John Normington
    John Normington
    • Lockwood
    Bill Paterson
    Bill Paterson
    • Wormold
    Liz Smith
    Liz Smith
    • Mother
    Alison Steadman
    Alison Steadman
    • Mrs Allardyce
    Jim Carter
    Jim Carter
    • Inspector Noble
    Pete Postlethwaite
    Pete Postlethwaite
    • Nuttal
    Eileen O'Brien
    • Mrs Sutcliff
    Rachel Davies
    Rachel Davies
    • Mrs. Forbes
    Reece Dinsdale
    Reece Dinsdale
    • P.C. Penny
    Philip Wileman
    • Preston Sutcliff
    Charles McKeown
    Charles McKeown
    • Medcalf
    Susan Porrett
    Susan Porrett
    • Mrs. Medcalf
    Donald Eccles
    Donald Eccles
    • Father
    • Director
      • Malcolm Mowbray
    • Writers
      • Alan Bennett
      • Malcolm Mowbray
    • All cast & crew
    • Production, box office & more at IMDbPro

    User reviews31

    6.53.6K
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    Featured reviews

    kme-2

    Not for the faint of heart, but absolutely hilarious

    This is one of those very droll, and sometimes bizarre British comedies that is absurdly funny. The plot centers around a couple in the days right before Elizabeth II's coronation and the machinations of a social climbing Maggie Smith who equates pork with prestige. She manages to get her henpecked husband (Michael Palin) to kidnap a pig, and well the rest just needs to be experienced. I thought the movie was hilarious, but I have known others who found it just plain ridiculous. Those who disapprove of bathroom humor need not see this one.
    10howard-45

    I miss the war....

    Life after WWII was bleak in England. Rationing was hitting hard, but spirits were lifted by the forthcoming royal marriage of Elizabeth and Philip. This slice of village life takes a poke at stiff England and the trials and tribulations of getting a slap up feast on the table for the local VIPs to celebrate the marriage. Michael Palin is the wimp, and marvellous Maggie Smith is the "trousers" in the relationship. Lots of lovely one-liners to treasure.
    8matthew-58

    Underrated gem

    The 1980s were dark days for the British film industry and productivity was at an unprecedented low. That doesn't mean that there weren't a number of very fine films made during this time. It does mean that they tend to be rather forgotten in what is often described as a period of wilderness for British cinema. This is rather unfair, as there are a number of fine films made during this decade that don't get the attention they should. A Private Function is a case in point.

    The cast assembled for the film is simply one of the best I have ever seen in one movie. Look at the cast today and you would say it was star-studded; actually, many of these actors were not especially famous at the time (only Michael Palin, Maggie Smith, Denholm Elliott and Alison Steadman were really famous actors). Most of the others (Richard Griffiths, Pete Postlethwaite, Jim Carter, Liz Smith, Bill Paterson, Tony Haygarth) have achieved more recognition since. Their obvious talent and future potential was clear to see in this movie. As the fortunes of British films have improved since, their careers have duly flourished.

    If the film has a weakness, it is that it is supposed to be a star vehicle for Michael Palin, and yet his character is utterly dull and boring. Palin has proved he is a very capable actor elsewhere and might have impressed more if the kind of effort Bennett put into developing the other characters had also been afforded to Palin's role. This is a minor point though, because the rest of the characters are so well scripted it doesn't seem to matter too much. Palin would probably be the first to admit that the film works because of the script's overall quality (Alan Bennett is simply one of Britain's most incisive comic minds) and because of the wonderful supporting cast, not because of the strength of his own character.

    A Private Function is a relatively low budget and uniquely British film. The writing and the acting represent the very best of British cinema. It's a shame it doesn't get more recognition but the gentle wit, eccentric characters and lack of glamour and romance, plus the state the British film industry was in at the time it was made, probably meant that it was never destined to be a blockbuster. It does remain a very funny and at times quite barbed portrait of a particular period in 20th century British history.
    10taita

    Porcine Perfection

    Why do I love this movie sooooo much. Because it is one of the most delightful movies ever made.

    From the opening shots of Dame Maggie Smith and her aged mother (Liz Smith) jostling for space on the Wurlitzer seat to the closing shots of Michael Palin and Richard Griffiths looking sadly at Betty on the platter this is a movie where every scene has something new.

    The contents of Michael Palin's lunch box, Richard Griffiths popping his little trotter over the edge of the chair to get a chocolate for Betty, Liz Smith checking her nightgown for malodorous fumes, Bill Paterson and his wonderful artistry with green paint ( don't miss this line its great), Michael Palin's overt Pythonesque chiropodist sign, and Liz Smiths startled look watching him clean it, these are just a taste of the subtle visual and aural moments that make this movie magic (moments that obviously went completely over the head of a previous reviewer).

    Alan Bennetts plot is original and actually believable, as snobbery of all kinds can be found alive and well in any nation in the world at any time, and Denholm Elliot and Dame Maggie Smith would have to be crowned the King and Queen of snobbery for their efforts in this.

    Many people read some books over and over This is a movie I watch over and over. I have this movie on Video and I shall definitely be buying it on DVD as well
    9willandthomas-picturehou

    Both Smiths Are Glorious.

    Well you know the story don't you. The pedicurist (Michael Palin) and his social climbing wife (Maggie Smith) live with her mother (Liz Smith) and a pig they've stolen. The pig's smell, naturally, permeates the entire house. When people come in, that's the first thing they notice, the smell and Maggie Smith justifies it by saying "My mother, she's seventy four" I laughed so hard that I had tears running down my face. It's not the line per se the cause of it but its delivery and the faces, the faces of Maggie and Liz Smith. I've been a ardent fan of Maggie Smith all my life and I had a unshakable memory of Liz Smith and Dora Bryan as the British spinsters of Apartment Zero. Here the two Smiths create a subliminal duo that is downright irresistible. Don't miss it.

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    Related interests

    Peter Sellers in Dr. Folamour ou : comment j'ai appris à ne plus m'en faire et à aimer la bombe (1964)
    Satire
    Will Ferrell in Présentateur vedette: La légende de Ron Burgundy (2004)
    Comedy

    Storyline

    Edit

    Did you know

    Edit
    • Trivia
      According to Sir Michael Palin, this is the only movie ever to credit a "Bucket Boy". During filming, the crew were having difficulties dealing with the pig defecating on-set. A young man was hanging around near the set, saying he'd "do anything" to get into movies. They invited him on-set, gave him a bucket, which he was to hold under the pig.
    • Goofs
      When Mr Nuttal is with Mrs Forbes in the bedroom (and she's reading through the list of ingredients for the Royal wedding cake) there is coughing in the background (which sounds like a female).
    • Quotes

      Joyce Chilvers: I think sexual intercourse is in order, Gilbert.

    • Connections
      Featured in At the Movies: Heartbreakers/The Hit/Alamo Bay/A Private Function (1985)
    • Soundtracks
      Rose of England
      Music by Ivor Novello.

      Played on piano by Maggie Smith (uncredited)

      By kind permission of the Trustees of the Estate of the late Ivor Novello and Samuel French Ltd.

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    FAQ20

    • How long is A Private Function?Powered by Alexa

    Details

    Edit
    • Release date
      • October 2, 1985 (France)
    • Country of origin
      • United Kingdom
    • Official site
      • Handmade Films Website
    • Language
      • English
    • Also known as
      • A Private Function
    • Filming locations
      • Ben Rhydding, Ilkley, Bradford, West Yorkshire, England, UK
    • Production company
      • HandMade Films
    • See more company credits at IMDbPro

    Box office

    Edit
    • Gross US & Canada
      • $2,527,088
    • Opening weekend US & Canada
      • $25,333
      • Mar 3, 1985
    • Gross worldwide
      • $2,527,088
    See detailed box office info on IMDbPro

    Tech specs

    Edit
    • Runtime
      • 1h 32m(92 min)
    • Color
      • Color
    • Sound mix
      • Dolby Stereo
    • Aspect ratio
      • 1.85 : 1

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