David Niven and Deborah Kerr star in this British comedy about five couples whose attempts to use a birth-control pill are thwarted by those around them. Banker Gerald Hardcastle (Niven) and his wife Prudence (Kerr) are unhappily married. While Gerald has a mistress, Elizabeth (Irina Demick), Prudence is also having an affair with her doctor Alan Hewitt (Keith Michell). Though Prudence is using a contraceptive pill, Gerald switches her medication in the hopes that she will fall pregnant to Alan and therefore mean he will no longer have to keep his relationship with Elizabeth a secret. Meanwhile, three other couples - the Hardcastle's maid and chauffeur, Gerald's brother and his wife and Gerald's neice and her boyfriend - all want to try the pill for themselves but their secretiveness and scheming leads to more pill switching and a number of possible pregnancies.
T**T
Swinging 60s comedy is typical of its era
Though they live under the same roof, a wealthy banker (David Niven) and his wife (Deborah Kerr) live separate lives. He has a mistress (Irina Demick), she has a lover (Keith Michell). But when his young niece (Judy Geeson) switches her mother's (Joyce Redman, TOM JONES) birth control pills with aspirin, it leads to a chain reaction of unexpected pregnancies for almost everyone. Oh those swinging 60s have a lot to answer for and PRUDENCE AND THE PILL is one of them. It's garish looking (it's all orange and blue rooms and pink and purple dresses) with the requisite "swinging" underscore and taking advantage of the screen's new sexual freedom. I suppose a comedy about the birth control pill was inevitable but couldn't it have been funnier? Mercifully, they avoided putting Edith Evans in a mini skirt but no one comes out looking very good. Hugh Mills wrote the screenplay based on his book so I suppose we can lay the blame at his feet. Directed by Fielder Cook. With Robert Coote, David Dundas and Moyra Fraser.The DVD from Odeon Entertainment is a handsome and colorful anamorphic wide screen (1.66) transfer.
P**E
Prudence and the Pill - disappointing
I found this a disappointing for a film made in 1967, doesn't capture anything of the time which I had hoped it would, a bit dated for the time it was made (yes I remember the sixties).
C**R
Niv & Deb again.
Have always admired Deborah Kerr since seeing the King and I when I was 12 years old. Although some of her films weren't what you might call box office successes, I always thought that underneath all the lady like roles she played, there was something quite mischievous underneath this stars (rhymes with Kerr) performance and nature. In the marvellous 50 minutes of interviews with dear Mr Niven, as an extra, my suspicions were confirmed. Marvellous 1950s/60s film.
E**S
Naughty English Comedy
Always a pleasure watching Deborah Kerr and DavidNiven in one of their last movies together. A differentrole for Kerr, which allows her to show her ability asa comedienne. A little dated but worthwhile.
A**R
Four Stars
Bit dated but fun.
C**E
Five Stars
So funny
K**N
Four Stars
A classic
J**H
Its a film
Had the film on video years ago and bought it as a surprise for my wife and it was what I expected
Trustpilot
1 week ago
1 day ago