I’m All Right Jack is a 1959 British comedy film directed and produced by John and Roy Boulting. The film revolves around the struggles between a profit-minded uncle and an aggressive labor union, with a naive aristocrat, Stanley Windrush, getting caught up in the middle. The movie is known for its acerbic satire and humorous take on the class struggle and labor movement. It features a notable cast, including Ian Carmichael, Terry-Thomas, Peter Sellers, Richard Attenborough, and Dennis Price. The film is considered a swinging social satire and a sequel to the Boultings' 1956 film "Private's Progress".
Plot
I’m All Right Jack is a 1959 British comedy film directed and produced by John and Roy Boulting. The plot is based on the absolute and almost cosmic naivety of Stanley Windrush, a scion of old-money gentry who decides to go "into business." The film satirically portrays the struggles between a profit-minded uncle and an aggressive labor union, with Stanley Windrush getting caught up in the middle. The movie is known for its acerbic satire and humorous take on the class struggle and labor movement. Peter Sellers played the role of the trades union shop steward Fred Kite, for which he won a BAFTA Best Actor Award. The film is considered a swinging social satire and a sequel to the Boultings' 1956 film "Private's Progress" and was a big hit, being the most popular film in Britain for the year ended 31 October 1959.
Trailer
Cast
- Ian Carmichael as Stanley Windrush
- Peter Sellers as Fred Kite/Sir John Kennaway
- Terry-Thomas as Major Hitchcock
- Richard Attenborough as Sidney De Vere Cox
- Dennis Price as Bertram Tracepurcel
- Margaret Rutherford as Aunt Dolly
- John Le Mesurier as Windrush
- Miles Malleson as Cynthia
- Liz Fraser as Mrs. Kite
- Irene Handl as Mohammed
- Marne Maitland as well as cameos by Margaret Rutherford, Dennis Price, and Richard Attenborough
Director: John Boulting
Writer: Frank Harvey, John Boulting, Alan Hackney
Genre: Comedy
Release Date (Streaming): Nov 6, 2015
Theme
The theme of I’m All Right Jack revolves around the class struggle and labor movement in post-World War II Britain. The film satirizes the tensions between a profit-minded uncle and an aggressive labor union, with the naive protagonist, Stanley Windrush, getting caught up in the middle. The theme explores the complexities of labor relations and the challenges of navigating the social and economic landscape of the time.
Reception
The film was well-received by audiences and critics alike, earning it a reputation as a swinging social satire. It was the most popular film in Britain for the year ended October 31, 1959, and was praised for its acerbic satire and humorous take on the class struggle and labor movement.
Settings
The film is set in post-World War II Britain, specifically in the world of labor unions and the gentry. The story unfolds in various locations, including the Windrush family estate, the labor union headquarters, and the offices of the profit-minded uncle.
Visual Styles
The film features a mix of comedic and satirical visual styles, with a focus on the interactions between the characters and their environment. The visual style complements the theme and tone of the film, enhancing the overall comedic effect.
Techniques
The film employs a range of techniques to create its unique comedic style. These include:
- Quick editing and pacing to maintain the audience's attention
- Use of lighting and camera angles to emphasize the humor and create a dynamic visual experience
- Incorporation of slapstick and physical comedy to add to the entertainment value
Trivia
- The film is a sequel to the Boultings' 1956 film "Private's Progress"
- Peter Sellers won a BAFTA Best Actor Award for his role as Fred Kite
- The film was the most popular film in Britain for the year ended October 31, 1959
Fun Facts
- The film's title is a reference to the popular song "I'm All Right, Jack" by British singer Vera Lynn
- The film's production designer, Max Greene, also worked on the 1964 film "Dr. Strangelove"
- The film's director of photography, Ken Hare, was a pioneer in the British film industry and worked on numerous classic British films