Cornonthecobb
Marty Feldman did, contrary to popular belief, have a career before Hollywood. In his home country, he was the "it" boy for a while, with plenty of sketch shows, earning several awards, etc etc. Nevermind the fact that he had been a leading comedy writer for years before even stepping in front of the cameras. And all this would happen PRIOR to the famous "Young Frankenstein"."Every Home Should Have One" (or "Think Dirty" for us in the states) provides Feldman with his first leading role in a feature film (his first actual role being a bit part in Richard Lester's 'The Bed Sitting Room'). The comic would also co-write the script. The film, it seems, was a bit of a venture to capitalize on the funny man's success. While it wouldn't really be much of a success itself, I personally feel this movie is one of Feldman's funniest and best.It pokes fun at all sorts of conventions of society and namely, the advertising industry and its battle with conservative religious types. It has the wild, zany style of great British comedy during that time period. Fans of Beatle humor will also enjoy. And a party scene towards the film's end will put even "Animal House" to shame (I mean what could be better than drunk Marty, dwarfs, a big dog, a burning sword eater, and a million other absurdities all in one living room?).Feldman and Judy Cornwell have a real and comedic chemistry as a husband and wife duo in the movie and the latter more than does her share in keeping things hilarious. Also funny is the young son, Richard, who really causes the whole film's conflict. And who, at 11 years old, DOES know what sex is, but does NOT know what the word 'involved' means. Yet, funnily enough, that is realistic."Every Home Should Have One" is a hilarious and fun movie and a good commentary on the "up-tight" vs the "overly free" and such. A good commentary, also, on the hypocrisy of the so called "clean" people of society.If one wants a witty, funny, and enjoyable film that is a delightfully crazy time, then this should certainly be viewed!
ShadeGrenade
Marty Feldman made his movie debut in Richard Lester's surreal, post apocalyptic comedy 'The Bed Sitting Room' ( 1969 ). With two seasons of the B.B.C.'s 'Its Marty' behind him, the time was right for him to flex his cinematic muscles. Based on a story by Milton Shulman and Herbert Kretzmer, 'Every Home Should Have One' was Marty's only British film, casting him as 'Teddy Brown', an advertising executive hired to provide a new campaign to promote 'McLaughlin's Frozen Porridge'. His first attempt features an animated, singing Scotsman and is soundly rejected. In desperation, he decides to 'think dirty' and use sex to sell the cereal. A competition to find the perfect 'Goldilocks' is held...The mid-to-late '60's saw a sea change in British film comedy, as it moved away from family entertainment and became more risqué. Television provided inspiration, with many films being either based on or inspired by popular shows. Produced by Ned Sherrin and Terry Glinwood, 'Every Home Should Have One' was made in 1970 but is still very much a '60's period piece. The script by Barry Took, Denis Norden and Feldman himself lampoons not only the glossy but shallow world of advertising, but also moralising politicians, clean-up television campaigners, and the permissive society itself. Richard Williams Studios provides some superb animations; particularly funny are Teddy's outlandish, 'Billy Liar'-style dream sequences, including a fight between him and the 'Reverend Geoffrey Mellish' ( Dinsdale Landen ) whom Teddy thinks is trying to destroy his marriage to 'Liz' ( Judy Cornwell ). At one point, we even see the men as 'Superman' and 'Batman'! One gag was recycled from the series - dressed as a bishop, Marty is asked by a doorman if he is a bishop. "Who do you think I am then with this?", he says, holding up his staff, "Bloody Bo-Peep?".Feldman proved here he had the talent to carry a film, and received strong support from a first-rate cast. Penelope Keith has a small role as 'Lotte', a Teutronic au pair. Alan Bennett puts in an uncredited cameo near the end as a befuddled barrister. And who can forget the luscious Julie Ege as Swedish 'Inga'?Funniest moment - Teddy and Liz having a row while driving around London in a toothpaste tube-shaped car, unaware the speakers are on and that the public can hear every word!Shulman and Kretzmer penned a novelisation to tie-in with the U.K. release. It did not receive an American premiere until 1978, when it was retitled 'Think Dirty!' A B.B.C.-4 documentary on Feldman in the Noughties implied that it was 'barely remembered'. Well, I'm, pleased to say that I remember it. At the time of writing, it still has not had a D.V.D. release.
gare_fowl
This film, to me, is an incisive comment on the way that big business and politicians manipulate the ideals and desires of the population. I feel it makes a valuable point without distancing itself from the comedic element inherent in its approach, and by using 'flashback' and fantasy techniques raises itself above other films that have treated the same subject matter in a more down-to-earth fashion.Some measure of its true worth must lie in the number of more recent films that pay homage to it by parodying certain scenes or aspects of it.In my view, it is one of the 100 best comedy films of all time, and I feel the time is ripe, some 35 years after its original release, for it to become available on DVD.
nobita
Let's be honest, what's the funniest thing about a Marty Feldman film? Those eyes! And in this particular film, they are used to great comedic effect. But that being said, if your only interest is Marty Feldman's eyes and the absolutely fantastic wardrobe designed by the very trendy Mr Fish, then this film could be a bit of a bore. Marty Feldman plays an advertising executive who believes one thing: Sex Sells! His main account is a brand of Scottish Porridge and his main thought is how to make it sexy. Marty in this film constantly drifts into dream sequences which touch on every aspect of film and commercial making and sex. This does not help when his very liberal wife is responsible for the 'sex on TV' committee which includes the likes of a very prudent couple, a priest and a colonel. Penelope Keith appears in the film as the Gestapo Nanny. For those interested in very trendy London fashions, then you'll probably enjoy this film. Or if you're interested in a very different comedy that is very cartoon-like you might enjoy this film. If not, then you'll have your finger on the fast forward button a lot.