Customer Reviews

Chorus of Disapproval [VHS]

5 star:		(1)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I purchased this video because I am a devoted fan of both Jeremy Irons and Anthony Hopkins. It was interesting to see them give a try at comedy and it is testimony to the acting skills of both that they managed to hold my interest in spite of a rather dull plot. It was amusing to see both actors at a much earlier stage in their careers (Jeremy Irons looks so young and boyish), but, unfortunately, the humor and concept of the plot are very outdated. I gave this film 4 stars only for the performances of Irons and Hopkins.

Written by the divine Alan Ayckbourn, A Chorus of Disapproval is an overlooked classic. When naive Guy Jones moves to a seaside town and is lured by a newspaper ad into joining a community theater, the company welcomes Guy with open arms (especially the ladies). Through a series of mishaps and misadventures, he is eventually awarded the leading role in "The Beggar's Opera", though things begin spinning out of control long before then.

As Guy, Jeremy Irons hits just the right notes as the melancholy widower skirting (pun intended) disaster as he discovers the thrills and perils of that theater phenomenon--the showmance. Anthony Hopkins is wonderful as the quirky director, with the luminous Prunella Scales as his unhappy wife and the supporting cast is splendid. Anyone who's ever been involved in amateur theater will recognize the characters, smile at the backstage drama and adore this movie, and non-theatrical lovers of British humor will like it as well.

Sadly, it's out of print in Region 1. If only it would be released in Region 1 format, I could retire my tired old VHS tape.