A Private Function

A British couple's attempts to circumvent post-war food-rationing regulations trigger a chaotic series of events in this satirical comedy set in post-World War II England. The couple's scheme centers on a massive hog which has been illegally raised by a local farmer. Seeing a chance to capitalize on pork's scarcity, the ambitious wife (Maggie Smith) convinces her mild-mannered husband (Michael Palin) to steal the pig. Unfortunately for them, a vigilant food inspector is on the prowl, determined to stop all such illegal activity. The couple's efforts to hide the pig provide much material for frantic and sometimes grotesque farce.

Playwright Alan Bennett's acerbic wit targets the British class system and the wife's social ambitions.  Wonderful British character actors in support include Denholm Elliott, Richard Griffiths, Bill Paterson, Liz Smith, Alison Steadman and Pete Postlethwaite.

Format: DVD