source: Blueblood

BlueBlood

Somewhat surreal and comical but the present real Marquis was actually very ostentatious in his dress at the time dare I say! The house on the estate is on the Longleat Estate, which is really a safari park. Reed's acting is absolutely terrible! Very camp! That's why I suggest he was taking the mickey. The director probably hadn't the guts to discipline him. He was a hard man in real life after all! As for his accent, I'm a Brit and I've never heard anyone speak like it, even from London! And it isn't geordie (Newcastle) as one reviewer implies! Derek Jacobi acts well but after all he is a great actor. Reed wasn't (except as Debussy?)

Ollie reed & co take the mickey in the luxurious home of the Marquis of Bath (who, himself briefly appears in the party scene). Derek Jacobi makes the best of a poor script, probably written on the back of a beer-mat. The film is soooooooo unintentionaly hilarious, it beggars belief! The film is full of musical tangents, poorly dubbed kids, satanic-undertones and a truly winning performance by the late, great Oliver of Reedshire. If it appears on T.V (it'll never appear on DVD, that's for sure) tape it, watch it, then watch it again. Best line (By Derek Jacobi): "ohhhhh, youuuuuuuuu stuuuuuuuupid biiiiitch".

An outstanding acting by the good old and never enough recognized Derek Jacobi and of course, Ollie Reed that here makes the perfect butler, stiff, stone-faced, confident and knowledgeable. I would've welcomed subtitles when he spoke Geordie dialect though. The setting is sublime and the environs perfect for a bunch of lunatics trying to fit in the social expectations of the time. We even get a most wonderful song to a nanny! If you are a nanny you will be proud of this beautiful rendering. As always British use in their films sophisticated cars that I very much enjoy seeing. All in all another masterpiece of British film making even if the Director only started (and ended) his career with this film.

Despite the presence of the late, great Oliver Reed, this is a slow moving Pinteresque drama which fails to grab the attention. Derek Jacobi is okay as the wimpy lord of the manor who finds his servants are actually devil worshippers - or something. The plot is obviously inspired by a mix of Upstairs Downstairs and Rosemary's Baby and there's the odd, bizarre flash frame to keep you interested. Worth a look only for the stunning Fiona Lewis who has rarely been more gorgeous. Watch it for her brief scenes alone and it will be a worthwhile experience.