University of Virginia Library

CINEMA

Perfect Entertainment

By Paul Chaplin
Cavalier Daily Staff Writer

Ah, the perfect crime, the
perfect bank robbery! How often
have the movies handled this
subject, but what other media
could have such a glorious time
with plot intricacies and twists of
fate. Last semester, there was "The
Sicilian Clan," an excellent film,
and now we're treated to another
"perfect crime" film, called — what
else? — "Perfect Friday."

The best aspect about the film is
the talented cast. Ursula Andress
could simply stand still and win
praise form most filmgoers, but her
comic talents are also deserving of
notice and attention. David Warner
never ceases to amaze me in the
variety of roles he plays. From the
sniveling Blifil in "Tom Jones" to
the mad ape-man of "Morgan!,"
Mr. Warner has more than proved
his talents as a comedian. In
"Perfect Friday," he creates a
seemingly effeminate character who
must impersonate another
character, a very conservative bank
official. Balancing the cast is
Stanley Baker who comes across
with a stiff upper lip, which he
gradually sheds as the film
progresses.

One reason Mr. Baker can do
this is the skill of direction Peter
Hall. If I'm not mistaken, Mr Hall
was also responsible for the
excellent adaptation of "A
Midsummer Night's Dream," which
was shown on CBS a couple of
years ago, and also featured Mr.
Warner. In any event, the camera
control is very smooth, and Mr.
Hall uses a few tricks in jumbling
the order of time in the film, but
does it quite well.

The success of the film lies with
the script, and "Perfect Friday" has
a solid one. Written by Anthony
Greville-Bell and C. Scott Forbes, it
has enough false leads to entertain
us without totally confusing us to
the point where we give up entirely.
The ending is slightly predictable,
but is handled with ease by Mr. Hall
and his fine cast.

All in all, "Perfect Friday" adds
up to be a stick, well made film,
that is highly enjoyable and
entertaining.

(Now at the Cinema)