"Passport to Pimlico" is another delightful film from Ealing Studios, released in 1949. The stars include Stanley Holloway, Margaret Rutherford, Betty Warren, and Paul Dupuis.
It's after the war, and Pimlico still has many of the effects of a brutal bombing. While investigating one of the many holes made by the bombs, its residents discover a treasure -- and a treaty -- which shows that they are actually under the rule of Burgundy. The citizens break from the UK so that it can keep the treasure, and all manner of mayhem begins. There is a mad stream of vendors selling rationed and duty-free goods, and a mad stream of people coming in to buy them. The police are useless since they're British and no one pays any attention to them. A relative of the original Duke of Burgundy is found and becomes the town's leader. After trying to solve the problem and becoming frustrated, the British government sets up a customs desk and in order to enter the town, one needs a passport.
It's all pretty hilarious, and the government tries everything it can to bring its former citizens into line, including turning off the water and starving them out. The townsmen sneak out at night and turn on the water, and town becomes a cause celebre, with people throwing food over the fence.
Very funny political send-up. Highly recommended.
It's after the war, and Pimlico still has many of the effects of a brutal bombing. While investigating one of the many holes made by the bombs, its residents discover a treasure -- and a treaty -- which shows that they are actually under the rule of Burgundy. The citizens break from the UK so that it can keep the treasure, and all manner of mayhem begins. There is a mad stream of vendors selling rationed and duty-free goods, and a mad stream of people coming in to buy them. The police are useless since they're British and no one pays any attention to them. A relative of the original Duke of Burgundy is found and becomes the town's leader. After trying to solve the problem and becoming frustrated, the British government sets up a customs desk and in order to enter the town, one needs a passport.
It's all pretty hilarious, and the government tries everything it can to bring its former citizens into line, including turning off the water and starving them out. The townsmen sneak out at night and turn on the water, and town becomes a cause celebre, with people throwing food over the fence.
Very funny political send-up. Highly recommended.