A curious film for a number of reasons: Shelagh Delaney’s script about a writer’s search for inspiration; Albert Finney’s sole attempt at directing; Liza Minnelli’s film debut … it is a pity that, apart from Billie Whitelaw’s excellent, award-winning turn, most of the interesting things about the film happen off-screen. Finney manages to infuse proceedings with an intriguing look and feel, but it’s all whimsical fluff, kitchen-sink concerns meeting grand production values and not jelling particularly well. Hard to take seriously.
cast
Albert Finney as Charley Bubbles
Billie Whitelaw as Lottie Bubbles
Liza Minnelli as Eliza
Colin Blakely as Smokey Pickles
Richard Pearson as Accountant
Peter Sallis as Solicitor
Nicholas Phipps as Agent
Charles Hill as Head Waiter
Charles Lamb as Mr Noseworthy
Margery Mason as Mrs Noseworthy
Diana Coupland as Maud
George Innes as Garage Attendant
Arthur Pentelow as Man with Car
Alan Lake as Airman on leave
Yootha Joyce as Woman in Cafe
Peter Carlisle as Man in Cafe
Wendy Padbury as Girl in Cafe
Susan Engel as Nanny
Rex Boyd as Receptionist
Joe Gladwin as Hotel Waiter
John Ronane as Gerry
Albert Shepherd as Policeman
Ted Norris as Bill
Bryan Mosley as Herbert
Jean Marsh as Waitress (uncredited)
crew
Director: Albert Finney
Script: Shelagh Delaney
Producer: Michael Medwin
Photographer: Peter Suschitzky
UK | 89 minutes | 1967