There Goes the Bride

The 1980 British comedy film There Goes the Bride stars the likes of Tom Smothers, Twiggy, and Martin Balsam, and is directed by Terry Marcel. This film's preposterous yet amusing storyline makes it a remarkable representation of classic British humor brought to life by the distinctive acting prowess of its lead actors.

In the film, Tom Smothers plays the character, Timothy Westerby, a successful business executive set in the monotony of work and daily routines. He is a hard-working man, juggling the stresses of his flourishing advertising agency and his responsibilities as a loving yet frequently preoccupied family man. Westerby is gearing up for the elaborate wedding of his daughter, which he is arduously arranging during an important weekend of his professional career, laden with the possibility of a breakthrough client deal.

As excessive work pressure begins to take its toll, the harried father, affected by anxiety and fatigue, begins to act in a peculiar and bizarre manner. Not only does he seem disoriented, but he suddenly claims to be seeing an invisible 1920s Flapper girl named Polly Perkins. Polly, played by the incomparable Twiggy, comes into the scene as a lively, charming, and whimsical vintage creature seen only by Timothy. He is captivated by her enchanting charisma and vivacious spirit, which embodies the respite he seeks from his dull and stressful existence.

The constant appearance of the vivacious Polly adds an element of fantastical comedy to the movie. The unforeseen, but humorous, circumstances spun around the apparition of Polly and Timothy's befuddling interactions with her form the movie's central element of humor and farce. While Polly is visible only to Timothy, his actions in response to her are apparent to everyone, casting skepticism and concern about his mental health. Scenes unfold with comedic misunderstandings, irritated family members, and confused clients, all bearing witness to Timothy’s seemingly one-sided interactions with the effervescent flapper.

Twiggy’s depiction of Polly is exuberant and flirtatious that brilliantly contrasts with Timothy's initially uptight demeanor. Meanwhile, Martin Balsam plays the role of anxious and slightly miffed father-in-law, Dr. Hammett, trying to understand Timothy's unusual comportment and its devastating timing with the wedding.

As Timothy's strange actions and bizarre comments progressively upset the routine and the auspicious wedding proceedings, his wife Ursula, impressively played by Hermione Baddeley, struggles to mitigate the embarrassment and fears about her husband's sanity. The film accurately captures the rapidly accumulating stress in the Westerby household, as the wedding day approaches and Timothy's odd infatuation with Polly continues to create uproarious and comical situations.

The movie vibrantly encapsulates traditional British humor wrapped in a quirky, even absurdist plotline. It provides an entertaining depiction of a middle-aged man's complicated life, stress-induced hallucinations, and the unanticipated mayhem that follows. While being humorous, the movie also subtly deals with real issues like mounting work pressure, communication within a family, and the social implications of having mental health troubles.

The film There Goes the Bride may not have the complex narrative or impressive special effects characteristic of modern comedies, but it beams with a genuine, heartfelt rendition of comical family drama capturing the essence of the era it represents. The movie offers good clean humor, making it a pleasurable watch for all age groups.

As an intriguing mix of comic fantasy and family chaos, the movie flaunts a unique and outrageous plot that guarantees laughter and amusement. The performances by Smothers, Twiggy, and Balsam add depth and color to their characters. The denouement of the story will charm the viewers and render a sweetly surprising ending to a quintessential comedy. The film, therefore, holds the promise of pure comedy and carefree fun that can be enjoyed thoroughly.