In 1969, two substance-abusing, unemployed actors retreat to the countryside for a holiday that proves disastrous.In 1969, two substance-abusing, unemployed actors retreat to the countryside for a holiday that proves disastrous.In 1969, two substance-abusing, unemployed actors retreat to the countryside for a holiday that proves disastrous.
- Awards
- 1 win & 1 nomination
Joyce Everson
- Lady in Tea Room
- (uncredited)
Alecia St Leger
- Lady in Tea Room
- (uncredited)
Fred Wood
- Man In Cafe
- (uncredited)
- Director
- Writer
- All cast & crew
- Production, box office & more at IMDbPro
Storyline
Did you know
- TriviaThe first preview screening appeared to be a total disaster - the audience sat there stony-faced, never laughing once. It was only after the screening had concluded that a distraught Bruce Robinson discovered that the audience was comprised entirely of non-English speaking German tourists who were all staying at a hotel nearby.
- GoofsThe same cluster of vehicles is seen following the titular characters on both the outward and return journeys to Monty's cottage.
- Crazy creditsThe end credits contain the following: "...& I Paul McGann" The triple dots are as it follows Richard E. Grant's credit as Withnail (hence matching the movie title). While McGann's character's name is never referenced in the movie, either spoken or written, it has been identified as Marwood in materials issued in relation to the movie.
- Alternate versionsThe original cinema version of this film was shorter than the one that has since been released on video, laserdisc and DVD. Changes include:
- Marwood's opening voice-over has been redubbed.
- Marwood's speech about his thumbs having gone weird has been cut. The scene thus goes from the line "I don't feel good" to "Look at my tongue".
- Withnail's "I'm gonna pull your head off" has been cut.
- Danny's anecdote about The Coalman has been cut.
- Some dialogue concerning Withnail's current work and Marwood also being a thespian has been cut out of the scene at Monty's home.
- The scene of Marwood slipping in the mud and then angrily persuading Withnail to have another look at the shed has been cut.
- The first part of Withnail and Marwood's conversation with the major, concerning Withnail having been in the Territorials, has been cut. The scene in this version simply dissolves from Withnail and Marwood walking to the pub with Marwood's voice-over to the major bringing up the subject of Jake. Marwood's line about why Withnail lied to the major has understandably also been cut.
- The word Saveloy has been redubbed to Sausage.
- SoundtracksA Whiter Shade of Pale
Performed by King Curtis
Written by Keith Reid, Gary Brooker and Matthew Fisher (uncredited)
1969 Published by Westminster Music Ltd.
Original Sound Recording made by Warner Bros. Records
Featured review
There is no other movie that I have seen where almost every line of the screenplay is memorable. This is a beautifully crafted script and many of the lines in the film will live with you forever.
But of course, it is the way the words are spoken that makes them so memorable, and this is where Marwood and Withnail take you through a journey of almost impeccable desperation, confusion, anxiety, freedom and ultimately love, loss and redemption.
It's in this field of complex and beautifully woven emotion that all the aspects of the film become greater than the sum of it's parts.
To hear Withnail quoting Hamlet in the rain at the end of the film is one of the most underrated moments of modern cinematic history-it's stunning.
If you've ever spent time in London, been naughty and been caught in a period of uncomfortable and chaotic transition this is a film that will capture you.
This film is about 'youth, beauty and decay' as Uncle Monty would say.
But of course, it is the way the words are spoken that makes them so memorable, and this is where Marwood and Withnail take you through a journey of almost impeccable desperation, confusion, anxiety, freedom and ultimately love, loss and redemption.
It's in this field of complex and beautifully woven emotion that all the aspects of the film become greater than the sum of it's parts.
To hear Withnail quoting Hamlet in the rain at the end of the film is one of the most underrated moments of modern cinematic history-it's stunning.
If you've ever spent time in London, been naughty and been caught in a period of uncomfortable and chaotic transition this is a film that will capture you.
This film is about 'youth, beauty and decay' as Uncle Monty would say.
- How long is Withnail and I?Powered by Alexa
Details
- Release date
- Country of origin
- Official site
- Languages
- Also known as
- Withnail y yo
- Filming locations
- 57 Chepstow Place, Bayswater, Westminster, Greater London, England, UK(Withnail and Marwood's flat)
- Production companies
- See more company credits at IMDbPro
Box office
- Budget
- £1,100,000 (estimated)
- Gross US & Canada
- $1,544,889
- Gross worldwide
- $1,950,623
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