Watch Mad Little Island

Mad Little Island is a British comedy film released in 1958. The film is directed by Ralph Thomas and the screenplay is written by Bryan Forbes, based on a novel by H.M. Harwood. The story begins when a group of rich and eccentric Americans, led by the obnoxious and rude Mrs. Munster (Jeannie Carson), arrive on a small British island to purchase it. The island, which has been in the possession of the eccentric Dr. Maniac (Roland Culver) for years, is a tranquil and peaceful place, home to a friendly and close-knit community.

However, their plans to purchase the island and turn it into a glamorous resort are met with resistance, particularly from the island's inhabitants who are unwilling to sell their homes and businesses to the Americans. Dr. Maniac, who is in love with the island and its people, is also reluctant to part with his beloved home.

The Americans' arrival brings chaos to the island, disrupting the locals' way of life and causing tensions to rise. The film elegantly weaves together themes of class, cultural differences, and the struggle for power and control.

Donald Sinden plays the role of William Pringle, a handsome and charming lawyer who is hired by Mrs. Munster to negotiate the purchase of the island. William arrives with preconceived notions about the island and its inhabitants, but his time on the island challenges his biases, and he becomes enamored of the island's laidback way of life.

As the story unfolds, William finds himself caught between two worlds: the world of the islanders, who value community and friendship, and the world of the Americans, who are seemingly only interested in making a quick profit.

The film is full of humor, with many of the jokes arising from the interaction between the Americans and the islanders. The inhabitants of the island are portrayed with warmth and affection, and their quirky characters and close-knit relationships evoke a sense of nostalgia for a simpler time. The island itself is given a character of its own, with stunning shots of the landscape and its natural beauty.

The film also explores themes of love and romance, with William finding himself falling for the island's beautiful schoolteacher (Nanette Newman), who is equally charmed by his wit and intelligence.

The performances in Mad Little Island are superb, with Carson standing out as the hilariously obnoxious Mrs. Munster. Her character perfectly represents the unenlightened views of many Americans during this time, and her antics and dialogue provide many comedic moments.

In conclusion, Mad Little Island is an enjoyable and charming film that explores themes of cultural differences, community, and love. The film is a wonderful snapshot of British life in the late 1950s and is a must-see for anyone who enjoys a good comedy with heart.