This 1959 British comedy boasts an impressive array of acting talent headlined by Peter Sellers, but its true strength is its writing. It seems a decade younger due to its brief cheeky nudity and heavy lampooning of both the wealthy elite and the labor class. It’s also a sequel of sorts to Private’s Progress (1956), with multiple actors reprising their roles, although no knowledge of the prior work is required to enjoy this production.
Buy I’m All Right, Jack Blu-rayWhile Sellers is the most recognizable cast member, his principal role here is played fairly straight, with little hint of his improvisational flair and penchant for multiple characters. Yes, he briefly plays a second role to open the film, but his main gig is portraying a harried, factory union leader stuck between his blue-collar workers and the uptight management. He’s not the focus, instead acting as support to the lead role by Ian Carmichael, the posh nincompoop nephew of the munitions factory owner.
Carmichael’s Stanley character is looking to get started on his post-war career, completely unaware of his uncle’s secret plan to use Stanley’s ineptitude to undermine the labor union. Stanley is a bundle of uptight but clueless earnestness, totally unqualified for any blue collar job but willing to try all of them. Imagine Niles from Frasier attempting any factory work. Unfortunately for his conniving uncle, his determination eventually helps him to get somewhat adept at his job, so good that he exceeds the low-productivity standards that union employees target for job security. This puts Stanley on the outs with both the union and his uncle, leading to a showdown with hilarious results.
Supporting players include Terry-Thomas as the factory manager, his typical gap-toothed ponce persona a perfect fit for the upper-crust tosser who gets by on his class standing and little else. Also appearing is Richard Attenborough (Jurassic Park) as the uncle’s contemporary and co-schemer, and Bertrand Price as the shady uncle. John Boulting directed and co-wrote the screenplay, covering a lot of ground in a tight two-hour runtime that feels much shorter.
Unsurprisingly, the film won the British Academy Film Award for Best British Screenplay, along with a Best Actor nod for Sellers. Its U.S. Blu-ray debut arrives with a bonus interview with supporting actress Liz Frasier, the theatrical trailer, and an audio commentary track. The black-and-white film is presented in its original 1.66:1 aspect ratio, with superb contrast and robust definition.
While Sellers is undoubtedly the draw, the still-relevant and hilarious story is the real star. The film’s tale of unscrupulous high-class business owners facing off against shiftless unionized commoners is more timely than ever, and told with such panache and acting prowess that it will remain enjoyable for decades to come.
