Review of Villain

"Villain" is one of the funniest films of the 1970s.The fact that it was written by the gentlemen who brought us "The Likely Lads" and "Porridge" ought to have let us in on the joke. Short of casting Les Dawson as a cockney,the choice of Richard Burton - Mr "Have voice - will travel" himself - could not have been more side- splitting.He gives a performance of Grand Guignol proportions,surely a Wicked Queen in every sense of the word.Scenery is consumed at an exhil- erating rate every minute he is on screen.If I'd been Mr Kray I'd have sued anybody who suggested the character was based on me.I wanted to boo and hiss every time he appeared.Oh yes I did. Stereotypical London geezers,sharp - suited and beetle - browed,whizz around in their jam jars looking well hard and a blag goes down before they all get their collars felt by that nice Nigel Davenport. Mr Burton's main squeeze is a bloke and his mother is an important part of his life.He clearly has anger management issues too.Nowadays he would qualify for a grant from the council and free housing to boot. Back in 1971 people simply thought he was potty and tried to keep out of his way. He gets his in the end of course (metaphorically speaking). But not before some enjoyable gangster movie clichés get yet another airing,the comic henchman,the smart sophisticated detective - where are they now that we need them ? - and the inevitable car chase. The novel - "Payment deferred" by James Barlow - was,like "The Patriots" a serious study of crime and criminals.The movie Clement and Le Frenais turned out from it was decidedly not.It was however,very funny,and I wholeheartedly recommend that you watch it if you get the chance.