The Most Cheesy, Nonsensical and Absolutely Worst British Sex Comedy in the '70s and '80s

Introduction

Who hasn't heard of or seen one of the most cheese-filled, nonsensical, and utterly worst British sex comedies in cinema history? In the 1970s and 1980s, the British film industry saw a peculiar resurgence of these low-brow, shaking-your-head-in-disbelief films. They were a perfect blend of gratuitous nudity, awkward humor, and often nonsensical plots. Why were these films so bad and why did they buckle up to such a fad? Let's dive into the world of British sex comedies to find out.

The Decline of the British Film Industry

The 1960s saw the British film industry thrive with a string of classic films that captured the world's imagination. This golden age culminated in the music boom driven by iconic bands like The Beatles, solidifying Britain's position as a thriving culture with global appeal. However, by the 1970s, the situation took a dramatic turn for the worse. Financial reasons, primarily the removal of tax breaks for film production, led to a significant slump in the film industry. This was compounded by other factors such as changing tastes and an increasing focus on American blockbusters.

The Birth of the British Sex Comedy

Amidst this slump, something peculiar began to emerge: the British sex comedy. These films were not only the product of financial desperation but also a response to more liberal social attitudes. It was during this era of permissiveness that the film industry looked for a way to reinvigorate itself. The result was a genre that combined nudity, surreal humor, and, most ironically, the absence of genuine humor or sex.

The Profound Dullness of British Sex Comedies

One of the most memorable series was the Confessions of... films, starring Robin Asquith, an actor with no discernible comic ability. Asquith portrayed a hapless everyman who tried his hand at various professions such as window cleaning and driving lectures. Young actresses, desperate for work, took off their clothes, while Robin awkwardly struggled with bra straps and fell face first into cleavages. The series was followed by the similarly misguided Adventures of... films, featuring Barry Evans as a man with no discernible comic chops. These films substituted other professions like taxi driving and plumbing for the occupation of choice.

One of the Most Notorious Films: Come Play With Me

Out of these dozens of films, one stands out: Come Play With Me. Starred by the notorious Mary Millington and a hodgepodge of British comedy stalwarts like Irene Handl and Alfie Bass, the plot involved seedy crooks hiding out at a health spa drooling over nubile staff. The film featured a bizarre Flanagan Allen musical number at the end, a fitting encapsulation of its nonsensical nature. This film held the record for the longest theatrical run of any British film at the time, a dubious honor.

Unforgettable Scenes and Unintentional Comedy

These films, which were so bad they couldn't even muster a whiff of notoriety, are now mostly forgotten. They linger in the back shelves of video rental shops, perhaps on Betamax. As a teenager, I watched many of these movies, and while the nostalgia is not always welcome, one can't deny the unintentional humor they provide. If you're looking for cheesy, nonsensical, and the worst, then look no further. You'll likely see plenty of "nice pairs" and, as an old British saying might go, "oo-er, missus – don't get your knickers in a twist."

Further Research and Conclusion

Further research reveals that Barry Evans did not appear in the follow-ups to Adventures of a Taxi Driver; Christopher Neil took his place. This only serves to underscore how odd and lacking in coherence this genre could be. These films may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but they offer a fascinating look into the peculiar and often hilarious history of British cinema during this era.

Final Thoughts

The British sex comedy remains a testament to the power (or lack thereof) of creative desperation during an economic downturn. These films, while shockingly awful, provide a unique slice of history and a fitting reminder of how far we've come in terms of cultural sensibilities. So the next time you find yourself with spare time, consider giving these films a watch – you might find yourself pleasantly surprised by the unintentional hilarity!