The Amorous Prawn

The Amorous Prawn is a 1962 British comedy film directed by Anthony Kimmins and stars Ian Carmichael, Joan Greenwood, and Cecil Parker. This lighthearted cinematic offering is based on the stage farce of the same name penned by actor and playwright, Anthony Kimmins. For fans of comedic performances in elegant settings packed with amazing characters, subtle humor, and full of classic British wit, The Amorous Prawn is a great vintage choice.

The methuselah of classic British comedy, Ian Carmichael, takes centre-stage as the perfect embodiment of the 'put-upon everyman,' Lieutenant Fraser. Carmichael's portrayal of the bumbling, innocently awkward character who always manages to find himself in the most outrageous predicaments is a narrative highlight, bringing light-hearted humor and charm to this intriguing story.

The narrative revolves around General Sir Hamish Fitzadam, engagingly played by Cecil Parker. He has been posted overseas and, going with the army tradition, is arranging a farewell fishing holiday in Scotland as his last act before departure. Alarmingly the date of fishing holiday clashes with the arrival of his wife, Lady Fitzadam (Joan Greenwood), at the remote Scottish command post where he is currently stationed.

Lady Fitzadam is a woman of high spirits and indomitable character and she is entirely unsatisfied about being in the middle of nowhere while her husband goes off fishing. Her ire is further prompted when she discovers that royal protocol demands she must host a party for the local gentry at the command post which is in a state of near chaos as the male staff have been granted time-off to aid General's fishing trip.

The clever wife then comes up with an ingenious scheme to finance an impressive bash with the help of her charming husband. With the majority of the command post’s staff off indulging in the fishing trip, Lady Fitzadam decides to turn her husband’s military run outpost into a money-making venture. She manages to devise a plan to let out the lodge as a hotel for American tourists on the sly, and drafting in the remaining staff to assist her ambitions. The almost aristocratic nature of the command post and its idyllic remote location serve up a perfect setting for the comedic events to ensue.

The visitors are none the wiser that they're being hosted by military personnel rather than typical hotel employees, enabling the series of lightly comical scenarios. The entire process is a constant juggling act as they try to keep the visitors happy, all while attempting to remain undiscovered by any member of the returning army officers. The nature of their actions is a labor of love and an absurdly endearing act of defiance from the determined Lady Fitzadam.

Joan Greenwood as Lady Fitzadam is the cheerfully plucky mastermind of the operation, and her lively characterization keeps the comic energy buzzing throughout the film. Her warm and witty portrayal of the General's wife, who’s on a mission to throw the party of a lifetime, is undeniably compelling. She exudes an air of sophistication and audacity, resulting in hearty laughs with her antics.

The ensemble of actors in the film lend delightful support and aid in the film's narrative progression. The performances of the 'hotel staff,' and the various visitors to the pigeon-holed country retreat, are charming and their performances bring life to an already vibrant comedy.

The Amorous Prawn is a delightful cinematic romp in an era of classic British farce. Directed with finesse and featuring a superb cast, this film strikes an endearing balance between dry, character-driven humor and the broader farcical elements prevalent throughout the narrative. It boasts a stellar cast, who all eloquently bring the clever script to life with engaging performances. An absolutely hilarious farce from first frame to last, The Amorous Prawn is an absolute gem from the golden era of British comedy cinema. Guaranteed to have you chuckling from the get-go, it is a thoroughly enjoyable vintage comedy and a testament to the uniquely British style of humor.