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What Rats Won't Do

  • 1998
  • R
  • 1h 28m
IMDb RATING
6.1/10
812
YOUR RATING
What Rats Won't Do (1998)
ComedyRomance

Soon-to-be-married lawyer Kate Beckenham has landed the case of a lifetime. Her courtroom opponent turns out to be the charming Jack Sullivan, who has never lost a single case.Soon-to-be-married lawyer Kate Beckenham has landed the case of a lifetime. Her courtroom opponent turns out to be the charming Jack Sullivan, who has never lost a single case.Soon-to-be-married lawyer Kate Beckenham has landed the case of a lifetime. Her courtroom opponent turns out to be the charming Jack Sullivan, who has never lost a single case.

  • Director
    • Alastair Reid
  • Writers
    • Steve Coombes
    • Dave Robinson
    • William Osborne
  • Stars
    • James Frain
    • Natascha McElhone
    • Amy Phillips
  • See production info at IMDbPro
  • IMDb RATING
    6.1/10
    812
    YOUR RATING
    • Director
      • Alastair Reid
    • Writers
      • Steve Coombes
      • Dave Robinson
      • William Osborne
    • Stars
      • James Frain
      • Natascha McElhone
      • Amy Phillips
    • 11User reviews
    • 1Critic review
  • See production info at IMDbPro
  • See production info at IMDbPro
  • Photos2

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    View Poster

    Top cast43

    Edit
    James Frain
    James Frain
    • Jack
    Natascha McElhone
    Natascha McElhone
    • Kate
    Amy Phillips
    Amy Phillips
    • Ellen
    Valentine Pelka
    Valentine Pelka
    • Graham
    Samantha Bond
    Samantha Bond
    • Jane
    Freddie Jones
    Freddie Jones
    • Judge Foster
    Chris Jury
    Chris Jury
    • Defendant
    Peter Capaldi
    Peter Capaldi
    • Tony
    W. Stephen Gilbert
    W. Stephen Gilbert
    • Foster's Clerk
    Harry Enfield
    Harry Enfield
    • Verger
    Paul Rider
    • Kate's Clerk
    Philip Jackson
    Philip Jackson
    • Jack's Dad
    Georgie Glen
    Georgie Glen
    • Woman with Dog
    Parker Posey
    Parker Posey
    • Mirella
    Charles Dance
    Charles Dance
    • Gerald
    Neville Phillips
    Neville Phillips
    • Steward
    Denis Lill
    Denis Lill
    • Moot Master
    Daniel de la Falaise
    • Drunken Lawyer
    • Director
      • Alastair Reid
    • Writers
      • Steve Coombes
      • Dave Robinson
      • William Osborne
    • All cast & crew
    • Production, box office & more at IMDbPro

    User reviews11

    6.1812
    1
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    10

    Featured reviews

    6calu84

    Fabulous 90 minutes !

    I had never heard of this film until I heard that it was showing on TV. The plot interested me and I decided to give it a try. It was FABULOUS ! I love romantic comedies and this was going to be my cup of tea. Fans of movies likes Notting Hill,Sliding Doors,Bridget Jones diary.etc will truly love this. Im a bit surprised that the movie didnt get as popular as it should be. I would seriously recommend it , so what r u waiting for !
    10Cpridgeon

    A wonderful movie

    I have never been so entertained in my life. This movie is the best I have seen in a long time. James Frain is masterful as Jack Sullivan the dashing barrister and Natascha McElhone is exciteful as Kate(just Kate). Their on screen chemistry leaves you begging and pleading for more. You laugh, you'll delight and it will bring you happy tears of joy.
    8teri_2

    A wonderful, funny, endearing romantic comedy

    Many of the critques I've read on this little movie claimed it was too cliched at the end...too mushy (for lack of a better word). I disagree 100%. Besides, aren't all the enjoyable romantic comedies a bit "mushy"...don't most of them end with the guy getting the girl? Isn't that the point? This film is so romantic, and sooo sweet. It brightened my day.

    It's got a lot going for it. A great cast, though I thought Parker Posey was way over the top in her role as the "grieving widow". Charles Dance was fantastic as always, and James Frain & Natascha McElhone have beautiful chemistry together. I'd love to see them act together again. Their scenes are the most enjoyable in a movie full of enjoyable scenes. Also, it was lotsa fun to get a glimpse into the British Legal system...my, but they do have some strange customs. Though, I did find the black flowing robes and stiff white collars rather appealing :) It was a VERY British movie, with a very British cast, doing extremely British things, and for me, that was another big plus. I love all things British, and oddly enough, Irish as well.

    But the biggest plus for me was James Frain. Ever since I saw him in "Where the Heart Is" & "Nothing Personal", I've been a huge fan. It was so delightful to see him in English mode. I've seen him play so many characters from American to Spanish to Irish...but very few with his true native accent.

    If you love romance, and witty humor you'll adore this movie.
    islandgrl2

    DVD, please !

    Why, oh why, isn't this movie on DVD??

    I found this movie by accident on TV and it is one of my favorite romantic comedies, and one I can recommend to my rom-com-loving friends. For someone who loves London, the locations used in shooting are a delight. (The scenes shot there were a reason I visited the Middle Temple on my last trip....it is a thoroughly delightful part of London.)) I think this movie is really well done.....I highly enjoy the scene outside the Temple Church, with two background scenes silently going on, one on each side of a pillar behind the two protagonists. This is a wry, witty, entertaining movie.
    charlie-118

    Watch this now!(If you can find it)

    A clever little comedy with enough romance to sweeten it without descending into the realms of the sickeningly saccharine. James Frain and Natascha McElhone shine as the two leads - Frain is witty and charismatic while McElhone makes her character endearing and wonderful to watch. This talented duo manage to hold their own even against a dazzling supporting cast which does not have a single weak link. The script is well written, impeccably acted, and British humour at its best, yet it doesn't exclude anyone from outside our little island from the jokes. There is only one thing wrong with this film, and it is not the fault of the director, writer, or cast - that it has been seen by so few people! I only got the chance to see it when, in a fit of insomnia, I stayed awake all night watching film channels and stumbled across it at about 3am. I am dying to buy a copy of it yet, despite thorough searching on the net, I can't find one anywhere. (If anybody ever happens to read this - I know the odds are against me - and happens to know where I might get one from, please write to me and tell me). It is a brilliant little Britflick that deserves more recognition, and an example of what our film industry is capable of.

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    Related interests

    Will Ferrell in Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy (2004)
    Comedy
    Ingrid Bergman and Humphrey Bogart in Casablanca (1942)
    Romance

    Storyline

    Edit

    Did you know

    Edit
    • Trivia
      James Frain (Jack) & Natascha McElhone (Kate) also worked together in episode 3.12, Mia Culpa (2009), of Californication (2007) as Paul Rider & Karen respectively.
    • Quotes

      Male Diner on Boat: If he is prepared to subject himself to total humiliation in front of all of us...

      Female Diner on Boat: The least you can do is sleep with him

    • Soundtracks
      (Your Love Has Lifted Me) Higher and Higher
      Written by Gary Jackson, Carl Smith and Raynard Miner

      Performed by Jackie Wilson

      Courtesy of Brunswick Records

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    Details

    Edit
    • Release date
      • July 1, 1998 (United States)
    • Country of origin
      • United Kingdom
    • Language
      • English
    • Also known as
      • Donde las dan, las toman
    • Filming locations
      • Royal Courts of Justice, Strand, Westminster, Greater London, England, UK(they argue on the zebra crossing outside)
    • Production company
      • Working Title Films
    • See more company credits at IMDbPro

    Tech specs

    Edit
    • Runtime
      • 1h 28m(88 min)
    • Color
      • Color
    • Sound mix
      • DTS
    • Aspect ratio
      • 1.85 : 1

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