Film: Withnail & I (Cert 15)

London. The 1960s. Two unemployed actors –acerbic, elegantly wasted Withnail (Richard E. Grant) and the anxiety-ridden “I” (Paul McGann) — drown their frustrations in booze, pills, and lighter fluid. When Withnail’s Uncle Monty (Richard Griffiths) offers his cottage, they escape the squalor of their flat for a week in the country. They soon realize they’ve gone on holiday by mistake when their wits — and friendship — are sorely tested by violent downpours, less than hospitable locals, and empty cupboards. An intelligent, superbly acted, and hilarious film.

Bruce Robinson’s semi-autobiographical cult favourite is presented here in its complete and uncut version.

© 1988 Handmade Films (1985) Partnership

Organist on The Mighty Compton Organ: Mr Anthony Brookes.