La merveilleuse Anglaise

By the early sixties colour was available to the very occasional film with artistic ambitions thanks to Eastman Colour. Technicolor on the other hand was still only within reach of very commercial properties, which is why 'Tom Jones' is in the cheaper process while Technicolor was often squandered on showcasing television comedian like Charlie Drake... and Stanley Baxter.

Having distinguished himself in supporting roles in 'Very Important Person' and 'Crooks Anonymous' it was Baxter's turn (his red hair doubtless making his stunt double's job a lot easier); while the title role refers to a bright green vintage Bentley Convertible.

Leslie Phillips (who plays a character who rather improbably declares himself a teetotaller) later observed that "I've always looked back with pleasure on the movie". Shot on attractive locations in Buckinghamshire it provides a sometimes unique record in colour of an incredible array of guest stars from Graham Hill to 'Monsewer' Eddie Grey; not to mention Julie Christie who as usual gives the worst performance but looks absolutely ravishing. The best performance is probably given by Allan Cuthbertson as the driving instructor from hell.