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This black comedy needs to be seen in the right state of mind. And that state of mind is high. And you'll need more than one joint, it's a long movie. Unfortunately I wasn't on any mind altering drugs when I watched the movie (the box really should come with a warning). It was made in the early 70's, in that experimental phase, where pushing the boundaries was the most important thing. The plot, if there is one, is that the 13th Earl of something or other has died and the heir returns to the fold, from his 7 year vacation in the nuthouse. From there you will see an hour or so of very dry but absurd humor making fun of the English aristocratic way of life, with a few songs thrown in. Then it will take a turn for a half an hour in another direction, and then plummet you into a darkness not hinted at in the first half of the movie. It's probably hysterical when seen in the right mood, and maybe better even on repeated watchings in that state. What the movie does have going for it whether high or straight, is Peter O'Toole. He is mesmerizing, you just can't look away. And then there is the butler, who is funny in the usual funny way. He inherits enough money from the the Earl's death to leave this annoying family, but stays out of affection for the nutty heir, and because nobody else would come work for these jerks. So, he has the freedom to do and say what he wants, and helps make the movie bearable. Rent this movie at your own peril, you have been warned.
3/10
