SIDE BY SIDE

UK, 1975, 84 minutes, Colour.
Barry Humphries, Terry - Thomas, Stephanie De Sykes, Billy Boyle, Dave Mount, Frank Thornton.
Directed by Bruce Beresford.

Side By Side is not of any particular interest in itself but only for its contributors. One commentator remarked comically that it is director Bruce Beresford's 'dark secret'. Beresford directed this film after his two Barry Mc Kenzie features and prior to his return to Australia for Don's Party and a successful career in the late 170s. Barry Humphries, who wrote and appeared in the Barry Mc Kenzie films, is the star - and is surprisingly unfunny. Terry-Thomas? holds the film and gives it whatever comic touches it has. It is a commonplace story – two nightclubs side by side: one with the old traditions of the British music hall and the other promoting rock groups. They clash, they fight, they double deal and eventually bash the walls in and make one club. The film is a showcase for some popular singers and groups of the mid-70s in England and gives an opportunity for some comic turns to the main characters and Frank Thornton. The film has a point about the old traditions and modern entertainment and their needing to work side by side - but that's about it. Of historical interest.