Passport to Pimlico
Passport to Pimlico

Passport to Pimlico

1949Movie84 minEnglish

When an unexploded WWII bomb is accidentally detonated in Pimlico, it reveals a treasure trove and documents proving that the region is in fact part of Burgundy, France and thus foreign territory. The British government attempts to regain control by setting up border controls and cutting off services to the area.

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Insights

IMDb7.5/10
Rotten Tomatoes100%
Director: Henry CorneliusGenres: Comedy, War

Plot Summary

During the Blitz in London, a bomb unearths a buried section of Roman Britain, complete with documents proving it's still technically part of Burgundy, France. The residents of Pimlico, a London borough, seize this opportunity to declare themselves an independent duchy, free from British rationing and bureaucracy. This leads to a humorous series of interactions with the British authorities who try to reassert control over the newly independent territory.

Critical Reception

Passport to Pimlico was a critical and commercial success, widely praised for its witty satire and Ealing Studios' signature blend of gentle British humor and social commentary. Audiences enjoyed its escapist fantasy and clever exploration of national identity and bureaucracy.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its inventive and charming premise.
  • Applauded for its sharp wit and satirical commentary on British society and bureaucracy.
  • Celebrated as a classic example of Ealing comedies.

Google audience: While specific Google user ratings for this classic film are not readily available, contemporary reviews highlight its enduring appeal and clever humor, suggesting it was well-received by audiences for its unique and delightful story.

Fun Fact

The film's premise was inspired by a real-life historical incident from the Middle Ages where a small part of London, known as St. Martin's-le-Grand, was granted special extraterritorial status for a period.

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My Review

TMDB Reviews

1 reviews
CinemaSerf

CinemaSerf

I think this ranks amongst the best of the post-war British comedies. The residents of an heavily bombed-out part of London are deliberating what to do with some waste ground when an unexploded bomb goes off on the site leading to the disco...