Fun dry comedy by Python writer Michael Palin, who also stars as a missionary sent to the slums of England to minister to prostitutes. He's stuck in a silly traditional courtship with the fetching but anal retentive Deborah (Phoebe Nicholls) and a bizarre romance of a totally different nature with the wealthy Lady Isabel Ames (Maggie Smith).
Of course the best parts of the movie are the ones that let Smith and Palin play off each other, and they're both such wonderful talents that it's enough to carry some parts of the film that seem a bit obvious. There are some good supporting performances too, especially Denholm Elliot as a bishop with rather earthly tastes who nevertheless disproves of Palin's methods in spreading the "good word" to the various fallen women.
I rarely found myself laughing out loud, but I did greatly enjoy the movie. It was pleasant to watch, doesn't really offer that much in the way of gags but also isn't very demanding in general to watch. I found myself really hoping that there are more movies like this with Maggie Smith, and I've always been a fan of Palin so it was quite an enjoyable film for me.
Of course the best parts of the movie are the ones that let Smith and Palin play off each other, and they're both such wonderful talents that it's enough to carry some parts of the film that seem a bit obvious. There are some good supporting performances too, especially Denholm Elliot as a bishop with rather earthly tastes who nevertheless disproves of Palin's methods in spreading the "good word" to the various fallen women.
I rarely found myself laughing out loud, but I did greatly enjoy the movie. It was pleasant to watch, doesn't really offer that much in the way of gags but also isn't very demanding in general to watch. I found myself really hoping that there are more movies like this with Maggie Smith, and I've always been a fan of Palin so it was quite an enjoyable film for me.