Some Will, Some Won't

"1970's movie Some Will, Some Won't is a light-hearted British comedy that is infused with wit, roguish charm, and a compelling slice of life from the era. Starring Ronnie Corbett, Thora Hird, and Michael Hordern, this film brings a refreshing blend of comedy and drama that captures the pulse of the period and the eccentricities of human nature.

The story revolves around a rather eccentric but affluent testator, played by Michael Hordern, who decides to test the mettle of his potential heirs before his death. In his whimsical will, he stipulates a series of absurd tasks that his relatives must undertake to prove themselves worthy of their inheritance. It's his devilish way of assessing their characters posthumously, and the fallout is a rib-tickling comedy of errors.

As the plot unfolds, the heirs come to the forefront, each with their own quirks and entanglements. One of the main protagonists is the genial Ronnie Corbett, offering a classic performance as a bumbling but ambitious mustachioed trainee accountant. Corbett's character battles valiantly with the tasks set forth by the eccentric wealthy relative, threading his way through an array of comedic scenarios.

Thora Hird, on the other hand, shines as a principled and formidable Widow, with her character showcasing her impeccable comic timing and indomitable spirit. Throughout the film, she seamlessly demonstrates her ability to convey her character's innate decency and shrewdness with spark and subtlety. Her perseverance in fulfilling the seemingly ludicrous tasks illustrates the extent to which she is ready to go to uphold her moral fabric.

Adding to the plot, the other relatives show an array of colorful, flawed, and, at times, conniving traits as they grapple with the tasks set before them, with situations ranging from the farcical to the truly poignant. The narrative artfully portrays human follies, ambitions, and vulnerabilities, punctuated with doses of British humor that has defined this era of cinema.

From a misdirected romance to runaway zoo animals, the movie is full of unexpected and laugh-out-loud events that follow the heirs as they attempt to complete their challenges. Despite these comic moments, the film never strays far from taking a good-hearted look at human nature and how people react when an appealing fortune is at stake.

The film is directed by Duncan Wood and boasts a strong ensemble cast complimenting Corbett, Hird, and Hordern. The cast includes Leslie Phillips, Barbara Murray, Wilfrid Brambell, and James Beck who all contribute to the comedy in their unique ways. The performances of each of the characters most assuredly bring to life the eccentric, quintessentially British caricatures embodied in the script.

Some Will, Some Won't takes viewers along the path of its characters' follies and eccentricities within the broader framework of 70's British society, providing plenty of laughs along the way. However, it also subtly invites deeper reflection on the themes of greed, morality, and the lengths to which individuals will go in pursuit of wealth.

The direction, screenplay, and cinematography of the film, peppered with that signature touch of British humor, ensures a delightful watch for those appreciative of classic British cinema. The film’s score, often characterized by uplifting and catchy tunes, complements the comedic tone while underscoring the more serious moments with the needed gravitas, adding an extra layer to the storytelling.

In a nutshell, Some Will, Some Won't is a brilliantly executed film that weaves humor and human predicaments into an engaging narrative. Influenced significantly by its period setting and delivering a reflection of the era's societal norms, the film also retains a timeless appeal by presenting a gamut of universal emotions and situations we can all relate to, even half a century later. With its stellar cast and an engaging plot, it remains an endearing choice for fans of classic comedic cinema."