We Think the World of You *** (1988, Alan Bates, Gary Oldman, Liz Smith, Max Wall) – Classic Movie Review 9944

Director Colin Gregg’s provocative 1988 British comedy drama We Think the World of You stars Alan Bates and Gary Oldman.

J R Ackerley’s moving novel about a middle-aged gay man, Frank Meadows, and his loving relationship with an Alsatian dog is a difficult case for transfer to the screen.

Well cast as the hero, Alan Bates is a master of mannered melancholia – and Gary Oldman brings a breath of life to the role of his unreliable bisexual lover, Johnny Burney, who entrusts his beloved dog Evie to Frank when he is sent to jail.

Also there are amusing cameos from Liz Smith and Max Wall as Millie and Tom Burney, while Gregg directs attentively and effectively.

Also in the cast are Frances Barber, Ryan Batt, Kerry Wise, Sheila Ballantine, David Swift, Pat Keen, Ivor Roberts, Paula Jacobs, Barbara New, Edward Jewesbury, Nick Stringer, Danny Macdonald, Nicola Wright, Barbara Hicks and Irene Sutcliffe.

Inevitably, the America trailer tried to sell the movie as a comedy about a dog and disguised any romantic or sexual relationship between Frank and Johnny. It didn’t sell well (US gross $20,998). But it did have a US video release afterwards, by Nelson Entertainment in 1989.

The film, like the book before it, is a product of its more interesting era of British independent films. It is unthinkable that anyone would make it now.

It had a UK DVD release by Guerilla Films in 2010.

We Think the World of You is directed by Colin Gregg, runs 95 minutes, is made by British Screen Productions, Channel Four Films and Gold Screen, is released by Recorded Releasing, Film Four International, and Cinecom Pictures (1988) (US), is written by Hugh Stoddart, based on J R Ackerley’s novel, is shot by Mike Garfath, is produced by Tommaso Jandelli and Paul Cowan, is scored by Julian Jacobson, and is designed by Jamie Leonard.

© Derek Winnert 2020 Classic Movie Review 9944

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