Dir: Ken Annakin | Cast: Stanley Baxter, Leslie Phillips, Allan Cuthbertson | Uk Comedy
Stanley Baxter, who has died aged 99, was a comedian, actor and impersonator best known for his mimicry of famous figures, including the Queen, and his lavish and long-awaited BBC series that knocked the stockings off everyone’s tree at Christmas time.
Acting-wise he was in several feature films including The Fast Lady where he starred alongside Leslie Phillips and a young Julie Christie.
Having distinguished himself in supporting roles in ‘Very Important Person’ and ‘Crooks Anonymous’ it was Baxter’s turn as the star (his red hair doubtless making his stunt double’s job a lot easier), a naive Scotsman buying the titular fast car, a bright green vintage Bentley Convertible.
Leslie Phillips (who plays a character who rather improbably declares himself a teetotaller) later observed that “I’ve always looked back with pleasure on the movie”.
Shot on attractive locations in Buckinghamshire it provides a sometimes unique record in colour of an incredible array of guest stars from Graham Hill to ‘Monsewer’ Eddie Grey; not to mention Julie Christie who as usual gives the worst performance but looks absolutely ravishing. One of the best performances is probably given by Allan Cuthbertson as the driving instructor from hell. @RichardChatten
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