Swing right into this undoubtedly silly, but mildly charming light-headed 60's British sex comedy / drama starring the stone-like persona of Charles Bronson and the young scarlet Susan George. Actually it's her long legs that become the centre piece, because most of the time she's fluffing about in miniskirts. The story focuses on a middle-aged American erotica writer, who falls in love with a sixteen year old British school girl. When her family finds out about their relationship, everything is turned upside down. Despite that they eventually marry in Scotland (since the law there allows it), and then head to America, but this is when their relationship is put to the test.
Now the subject matter here is risky, but the whimsical script and Richard Donner's peachy direction makes light of it, by having fun at its expense. So if anyone is looking for something raunchy, and perverted. Look elsewhere. Susan George brings a playful innocence to her role (maybe too much for a 16 year-old?), but on the other side of the coin Bronson's casually brooding performance is a hard one to make out. The chemistry between the two is terribly spotty. A glowing support cast are nothing more than nutty inclusions. Honor Blackman, Michael Craig and especially Trevor Howard are great fun to watch as Lola's family. In lesser but worthwhile turns are Lionel Jefferies, Jack Hawkins and Robert Morley.
After a quirky, and spirited pop-like first-half where the story amusingly moves back and forth between Twinky's parents, and her confronting Scott about her parents knowing. Then the film changes when it reaches America. Becoming quite glum, laboured and fairly straight (well just say not as kooky). The relationship begins to crumble, but at the beginning it wasn't all that convincing that you wonder how did it last as long as it did. The whole thing feels messy, and so does its message. There's just no depth, or structure to it all to leave an impression. The ending is rather awkward too. Richard Donner does a serviceable job, and includes some fashionable filming techniques (slow-mo, freeze frames, montages), and the jazzy score with plenty of colour and features some bogus theme songs.
Now the subject matter here is risky, but the whimsical script and Richard Donner's peachy direction makes light of it, by having fun at its expense. So if anyone is looking for something raunchy, and perverted. Look elsewhere. Susan George brings a playful innocence to her role (maybe too much for a 16 year-old?), but on the other side of the coin Bronson's casually brooding performance is a hard one to make out. The chemistry between the two is terribly spotty. A glowing support cast are nothing more than nutty inclusions. Honor Blackman, Michael Craig and especially Trevor Howard are great fun to watch as Lola's family. In lesser but worthwhile turns are Lionel Jefferies, Jack Hawkins and Robert Morley.
After a quirky, and spirited pop-like first-half where the story amusingly moves back and forth between Twinky's parents, and her confronting Scott about her parents knowing. Then the film changes when it reaches America. Becoming quite glum, laboured and fairly straight (well just say not as kooky). The relationship begins to crumble, but at the beginning it wasn't all that convincing that you wonder how did it last as long as it did. The whole thing feels messy, and so does its message. There's just no depth, or structure to it all to leave an impression. The ending is rather awkward too. Richard Donner does a serviceable job, and includes some fashionable filming techniques (slow-mo, freeze frames, montages), and the jazzy score with plenty of colour and features some bogus theme songs.