Not Now Darling

Not Now Darling is a quintessential 1970s British comedy filled with hilarious situational humour, mischievous pranks, and outrageous dialogue. Tailored for the runtime of 97 minutes, this 1973 movie centers around a funny plot brought to life by a riveting cast featuring Geraldine Gardner, Leslie Phillips, and Julie Ege. Directed by Ray Cooney and David Croft, who also co-wrote the screenplay with John Chapman, the movie is based on a hit stage play of the same name. The film also boasts a creative team that delivers in terms of cinematography, set design, and costumes – all contributing significantly to the buoyant atmosphere intrinsic to the genre.

The movie takes you on a laughter-filled journey following Arnold Crouch (played by Leslie Phillips), a co-owner of an upscale London fur salon. Phillips, a familiar face in the British comedy scene, delivers an expert performance showcasing his trademark charming persona mixed with a hint of hapless comedy. He plays Crouch as a man frequently caught in precarious situations but retaining a delightful awkwardness that prompts the audience to root for him, even amid his wackiest escapades.

Enter Geraldine Gardner, portraying Crouch's business partner, Gilbert Bodley - a role she embodies with great enthusiasm. Bodley is an unapologetically flirtatious womanizer, which adds an extra layer of entertainment to the plot, shaped around her aim to sell a fur coat to a mistress. Gardner skillfully maintains a delicate balance between Bodley's cheekiness and flirtatious charm, making the character a memorable addition to the comedic ensemble.

In the midst of this chaos, the Norwegian beauty Julie Ege plays Janie McMichael, a glamorous model who becomes an unintentional participant in the unlikely scenario. Ege is captivating as McMichael with her magnetic on-screen presence and beseeching naiveté, offering a refreshing contrast to the boisterous energy of Phillips and Gardner. Her effortlessly elegant appearance adds a unique touch to the wacky universe of Not Now Darling.

The screenplay capitalizes on a series of mistaken identities, misunderstandings, and coincidences creating a complicated web of deceptions, setting the tone for a classic farce. The narrative unravels at a brisk pace, keeping viewers engaged as the characters struggle to navigate the convoluted situation they find themselves in, resulting in plenty of laugh-out-loud moments.

Amid these comedic shenanigans, Not Now Darling also subtly satirizes the upper-crust British society's frivolities of the time, giving it an undertone of social criticism. The film essentially weaves a story around the premise of a fur coat, an everyday object elevated to a symbol of opulence and desire, triggering a series of hilarious events.

The film's setting in a fur salon provides numerous opportunities for displaying glamorous costumes - a feature that the movie exploits fully. Rich in spectacle and style, the film’s visual aesthetic adds to the overall comedic experience, giving viewers a peek into the world of high fashion in the 1970s.

The supporting cast complements the lead actors and contributes to the lively humour with their commendable performances. With the central trio often crossing paths with an array of eclectic characters - typically associated with the British comedy genre - each unique personality presents a fresh angle to the witty and humorous narrative.

In conclusion, Not Now Darling is a light-hearted farce filled with slapstick humour, miscommunication and situational comedy. It is a delightful time capsule transporting viewers back to the 1970s, showing how British comedy of that era could turn an ordinary premise into a comedy goldmine. Its vibrant characters, sharp comedic timing, and intricate plot make it a must-watch for anyone who appreciates classically styled comedies. Be prepared for a whirlwind of laughter as you dive into the zany world of Not Now Darling.