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Storyline
London, 1969 - two 'resting' (unemployed and unemployable) actors, Withnail and Marwood, fed up with damp, cold, piles of washing-up, mad drug dealers and psychotic Irishmen, decide to leave their squalid Camden flat for an idyllic holiday in the countryside, courtesy of Withnail's uncle Monty's country cottage. But when they get there, it rains non-stop, there's no food, and their basic survival skills turn out to be somewhat limited. Matters are not helped by the arrival of Uncle Monty, who shows an uncomfortably keen interest in Marwood... Written by
Michael Brooke <michael@everyman.demon.co.uk>
Plot Summary
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Taglines:
If you don't remember the sixties, don't worry - neither did they.
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Did You Know?
Trivia
Although credited on screen only as "...and I",
Paul McGann's character is named as "Marwood" in the script. It is widely believed that the character's first name is Peter; although this is incorrect. This myth arose as the result of a misheard line of dialogue when Withnail and Marwood are enjoying drinks at Monty's house. The only occasion Marwood's name appears in the film, is when it can be just be made out written upside down on the envelope he receives at Crow Crag.
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Goofs
A road sign for the M25 London orbital motorway can be seen at one point as Withnail and Marwood are driving along the motorway on the way back from the cottage. This was road was constructed in the 1980s, well after 1969, the year in which the film was set. The folded metal crash barrier is a thing of the late '70s at the earliest. Numerous cars dating from the 1980s are seen on the motorway.
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Quotes
Marwood:
[
wakes up in the back seat of the car, which is moving along the motorway]
What's going on?
Withnail:
I'm making time.
[
swerves through motorway traffic, dangerously]
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Soundtracks
My Friend
Performed by
Charlie Kunz
Composed by
Ervin Drake and
Jimmy Shirl
Published Chappell Music Ltd
Original Sound Recording made by the Decca Record Co. Ltd.
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The first time I watched 'Withnail and I' in the late 80s I thought it was pretty good, but that's about it. Over the years, and a few more viewings, it really started to grow on me, and recently rewatching it on DVD for the first time I was struck at how brilliant and unique it is. It's a very subtle film really, and most comedy is admittedly a matter of taste, but if this movie clicks with you you'll most likely end up putting it in amongst your all time favourites. To me it's one of the greatest comedies ever. It's intelligent and sad and genuinely laugh out loud FUNNY, something you rarely see these days. The movie is episodic and seems to ramble on, but it's much more than a shaggy dog story, there's an underlying depth and melancholy to it that makes it something special. Richard E. Grant has never been better than this. Playing Withnail and writing his wonderful autobiography cement his place in film history as far as I'm concerned. Paul McGann is also excellent, and there are lovely performances from Richard Griffiths, Michael Elphick and Ralph Brown. EVERYONE is good in 'Withnail' but it's still Grant's movie all the way. He is just utterly brilliant! 'Withnail and I' is one of THE great British movies, and comes with my highest recommendation.