The Fall and Rise of Reginald Perrin
The Fall and Rise of Reginald Perrin

Movie spotlight

The Fall and Rise of Reginald Perrin

1983
Movie
107 min
English

46-year-old Reginald Iolanthe Perrin is suffering a midlife crisis and tries to escape his dreary life.

Insights

IMDb8.2/10
Director: Harold SnoadGenres: Comedy, Drama

Plot Summary

Reginald Perrin, a middle-aged executive at Sunshine Desserts, finds his life increasingly mundane and meaningless. Plagued by existential despair and a suffocating office environment, he fakes his own death to escape his routine. His subsequent attempts to find fulfillment outside the corporate world lead to a series of comedic and often absurd situations, as he navigates new identities and relationships.

Critical Reception

The series was a significant success during its broadcast, lauded for its sharp satirical wit and Leonard Rossiter's iconic performance. It captured the anxieties and frustrations of middle-class life in the late 1970s and early 1980s, resonating with audiences for its dark humor and relatable depiction of corporate ennui. It remains a classic of British television comedy.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its biting satire of modern corporate life and middle-class ennui.

  • Leonard Rossiter's performance as Reginald Perrin is considered a masterful portrayal of existential despair and comedic timing.

  • The show's dark humor and absurd situations struck a chord with audiences experiencing similar feelings of disillusionment.

Google audience: Audience reception is overwhelmingly positive, with viewers frequently citing its clever writing and Rossiter's unforgettable performance as standout elements. Many recall the show fondly as a benchmark of British comedy, appreciating its unflinching look at the absurdities of everyday life.

Fun Fact

The theme tune, 'The Fall and Rise of Reginald Perrin,' was performed by The Pirates, a British pop group.

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