Customer Reviews

Plank [VHS]

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

 

 

"The Plank" is one of the very best of that lamentably rare breed of British comedy shorts that harks back to the days when everything on the screen was silent. There is barely a line of dialogue in the whole thing nor, indeed, is there any need for one. Sykes and Lowe set down a flawless performance worthy of Laurel and Hardy, and the numerous supporting cast are uniformly excellent--my favorite being the cyclist constable, still intrepid in spite of the staidness of middle age. Admittedly, this brand of British comedy may disappoint some people. Those looking for the outrageousness of "Monty Python's Flying Circus" or "Black Adder" may find "The Plank" a mite on the tame side; at most it can be described as slightly naughty, rather like the Two Ronnies' ventures into silent comedy, "The Picnic" and "By the Sea" (in fact, if you like "The Plank" you'll probably like these and vice versa). Those looking for the more refined verbal humor of "As Time Goes By" or "To the Manor Born" may find "The Plank" lacking in subtlety and perhaps a tad obvious at times--there is only so much one can do without words--but even very old jokes can be redeemed by a smooth delivery. If you like homely, unprepossessing visual comedy that doesn't take itself too seriously, you'll love "The Plank."

This is a family legend, this film. We saw it many years ago on telly and have never forgotten it. To Americans or other foreigners reading this, I would say: it represents the finest of British visual humour. There are also similarities to the films of Jacques Tati. Buy This Video Today!

The movie is fine - but unfortunately I didn't notice that it was VHS - just assumed it was DVD...I don't fancy buying a $350 machine to record it to DVD...