Topsy-Turvy (1999)

VHS CASE/ SIDE

Length of film: 160 Minutes

Rated: 12

Genre: Comedy, Musical

Director: Mike Leigh

Starring: Jim Broadbent, Allan Corduner, Dexter Fletcher, Lesley Manville, Ron Cook, Eleanor David, Timothy Spall

IMDB Rank: 7.3 /10

Part 1 Time: 106 Minutes

Part 2 Time:   54 Minutes

Where does the first part end? Jessie Bond (Dorothy Atkinson) and Leonora Braham (Shirley Henderson) finish a rehearsal performance of ‘Three Little Maids From School.’

Final line of dialogue on the first part: “Three little maids from school,” is sung in tandem.

First line of dialogue on the second part: “Laughing. Ha Ha. Chaffing. Ha, Ha. Nectar quaffing. Ha, ha, ha, ha,” states W.S. Gilbert (Jim Broadbent) as he uses miniature wooden block figures to act out one of the scenes in his upcoming Savoy opera.

How jarring is it when the first part ends? Minimal, the production of Arthur Sullivan (Allan Corduner) and W.S. Gilbert’s new opera (The Mikado; or The Town of Titipu) is in full swing. Besides some minor snags in the creation and production of the new Savoy opera, the performance continues to move along as planned.

Which part is better? The film is a comedic take on the creation of The Mikado; or The Town of Titipu by Gilbert and Sullivan showing both the stain on their partnership as well as a look at British life in theatre during the Victorian era. Both parts have some funny moments and really attest to how unfamiliar Asian culture was to Europe during this era. Although significantly shorter, part two is given a slight edge as the new Savoy opera has its opening performance after many months of rehearsals and preparations.

Academy Awards: 2000- Best Writing Screenplay Written Directly for the Screen (Nominated), Best Art Direction- Set Decoration (Nominated), Best Costume Design (Winner), Best Makeup (Winner).

Other Awards: 2000 BAFTA; Best Original Screenplay (Nominated), Best Leading Actor (Nominated-Jim Broadbent), Best Supporting Actor (Nominated- Timothy Spall), Best Make Up/ Hair (Winner).