LEFT, RIGHT AND CENTRE

UK, 1959, 95 minutes, Black and white.
Ian Carmichael, Alistair Sim, Richard Wattis.
Directed by Sidney Gilliat.

Left, Right and Control is a comedy from the team of Frank Launder and Sidney Gilliat, writers, producers, directors in films from the thirties, for example The Lady Vanishes, State Secret, St. Trinian films.

There was an interest in British comedy in the late fifties in satirising much of the Establishment as well as the working classes. This was especially to the fore in films made by the Boulting Bros like Private's Progress and I'm Alright Jack. This film in a rather slighter variation of the theme. Ian Carmichael was very adept at this kind of comedy and Alastair Sim appears in a typical role. Familiar English faces appear in small roles quite effectively. like Irene Handl. Enjoyable, light satire.

1. The qualities of British comedy and satire, their impact in Britain, outside Britain? Humour, satiric thrusts?

2. Black and white photography, locations?

3. The satire on politics, on ordinary people and their way of life, the effect of politics on them? The images of politicians? The status of the various parties? The importance of television and its influence? The satiric thrusts in the fifties, now?

4. The political spectrum from Right to Left ? how clearly were the issues presented, Tory traditions of the Right and ways of behaviour and expectations, Labor and the Socialist Left? Did the film have a political point of view?

5. The humour of focusing on the Centre with Robert's Uncle? Alastair Sim’s comic style? The satire on the aristocracy opening their old houses to the public, turning them into museums and carnivals, the uncle's preoccupation with money even for his nephew with a shilling for the meter? Interrupting the political speeches for afternoon teas? The satire on the decay of British aristocracy?

6. The presentation of English political situations? By-elections etc? The tradition of the British parliament and its explanation? House of Lords, House of Commons, people's vote? The presentation of the candidates and their typical presentation to the people? The various details of political campaigns?

7. Ian Carmichael’s style as Robert? his T.V. personality, the humour of the flashback to his arrival from Antarctica and his fatuous explanations? His skill on the T.V. panel? his vanity, the reasons for his going into politics? his behaviour on the train and pride coming before the fall of revealing details to his of opponent? The humour of the discussion about love at second sight and tintinnabulation? His various faux pas? carrying his opponent's luggage, the messing up of speeches, the kissing in the maze, the ending? A gently satiric portrait of an up-and-coming politician?

8. The presentation of Stella as heroine? The farewell from the fish market, her Labor background? her charm in the train? her decision for no holds barred in the campaign? Her tintinnabulation, the kiss in the maze, the violent reaction, the happy ending? would she be the next member?

9. The portrait of Bert and his partner as the personnel managers, their tactics, the control of the various aides and their contribution to the campaign? Their deals in trying to distract Robert and Stella from each other? The humour of their alliance and then the fight at the end during the credits?

10. Bill an a solid background to Stella? Annabelle and the satire on the fashionable socialite?

11. The satire on the ancient houses of Britain especially in Robert's uncle?

12. People, electors, satire?