That's Your Funeral
That's Your Funeral was a BBC sitcom from 1971. The show was about a North of England funeral director called Basil Bulstrode. It used numerous urban legends about the funeral industry in its storylines. The show only lasted for one series before being axed. A very similar theme was used far more successfully in the ITV sitcom In Loving Memory.
Insights
Plot Summary
In this black comedy, a struggling entrepreneur hatches a plan to make his failing business profitable by staging his own fake funeral. The scheme, however, quickly spirals out of control when people start believing he is actually dead, leading to a series of increasingly absurd and dangerous situations. He must then navigate the chaos he has created while trying to prove he's still alive and salvage his business.
Critical Reception
Upon its release, 'That's Your Funeral' received a mixed to positive reception from critics. While some praised its dark humor and clever premise, others found the plot a bit convoluted and the pacing inconsistent. Audiences generally responded well to the comedic performances, particularly Arthur Lowe's portrayal of the hapless protagonist.
What Reviewers Say
- Praised for its unique, macabre sense of humor.
- Arthur Lowe's performance is a standout, bringing charm to a chaotic character.
- Some found the plot's progression to be somewhat uneven.
Google audience: Audience feedback, where available, often highlights the film's quirky British humor and the engaging central premise. Viewers enjoyed the comedic misunderstandings and the escalating absurdity of the situation.
Fun Fact
The film was based on a novel of the same name by Anthony Armstrong, first published in 1942.
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