Smashing Time

"Smashing Time," released in 1967, is a vivid and exuberant British comedy that captures the vivacious spirit of the Swinging Sixties in London. Directed with a zestful flair by Desmond Davis and showcasing scintillating performances by its leads, Rita Tushingham and Lynn Redgrave, as well as a charming appearance by Michael York, the film is a tongue-in-cheek exploration of the era's fashion, music, and youth culture.

The story follows two young and adventurous Northern girls, Brenda (Rita Tushingham) and Yvonne (Lynn Redgrave), who dream big and head to London with grand ambitions of becoming rich and famous. Armed with only their wits, charisma, and a ceaseless enthusiasm, they plunge into the capital city's vibrant and kaleidoscopic world, determined to make their mark and have a fabulous 'smashing time' doing so.

From their arrival in London, the duo's escapades catapult them into various misadventures filled with humor and satire. Brenda is sweet-natured, somewhat naive but with a strong determination to succeed, while Yvonne is more brash, confident, and convinced of her own destined stardom. Together, they embody the contrasting yet complimentary qualities that forge a friendship both endearing and comically dysfunctional as they navigate the fast-paced London scene.

Brenda and Yvonne's journey through the mod culture of 1960s London sees them stumbling through a series of odd jobs and peculiar encounters, from working in a trendy clothes shop to engaging with the music industry, all while interacting with an array of eccentric characters that compose the tapestry of this zeitgeist. The movie deftly pokes fun at the fashion industry's eccentricities, the pop music craze, and the quirky avant-garde art scenes that defined the era.

The London they explore is one of pop art and psychedelia, a world where every alley and avenue seems to burst with color, style, and an insatiable appetite for the new and the now. It’s a place depicted with an eye for both the enchanting and the absurd, as if to constantly remind viewers not to take it—nor the characters' mishaps—too seriously.

On this journey, they cross paths with Tom Wabe (Michael York), a young photographer who is as charming as he is opportunistic, mirroring the aspirations and caprices of Brenda and Yvonne. His character offers a touch of romance and realism to the whirlwind of chaotic experiences the girls face as they attempt to seize opportunities that come their way.

The film is buoyed by its bright and brassy score that flawlessly dovetails with the onscreen action to amplify the sense of madcap revelry that Brenda and Yvonne find themselves in. Complementing the music is the film's costume design, which brings to life the era’s sartorial innovation and the explosion of trendsetting haute couture that defined the London fashion scene.

Visually, "Smashing Time" is a treat. The camera sweeps through London’s streets, capturing both its historical allure and the contemporary scene of the 1960s with an aesthetic that both caricatures and celebrates the vivid tableau of the city. Desaturated tones mix with splashes of bright, bold color to mirror the emotional highs and lows of Brenda and Yvonne's endeavors.

The narrative is an amalgamation of slapstick comedy, heartfelt moments, and a satire of the cultural landscape of the time. The film cleverly uses its humor to critique the facile nature of fame and the fickleness of the fashion and entertainment industries, hinting at the superficiality that often lies beneath the surface of the glitz and glamour.

As the movie unfolds, both lead characters develop and grow, revealing depth and layers beyond their initial carefree exteriors. Their ambitions and the reality of their experiences in London lead to a variety of outcomes, each shaping the trajectory of their friendship and individual paths.

In terms of its placement within the filmography of the 1960s, "Smashing Time" stands as an entertaining chronicle of an era that was undergoing rapid change, serving as a cinematic time capsule. It showcases the fun and folly of youthful ambition, the transient nature of trends, and the endearing optimism that punctuated the Swinging Sixties. Thus, for those viewers interested in a colorful, comedic glimpse into a bygone era through a modern lens, "Smashing Time" offers a riotous and reflective journey into the heart of 1960s London.