Watch Smashing Time

Smashing Time is a 1967 British comedy film directed by Desmond Davis, featuring Rita Tushingham, Lynn Redgrave, and Michael York. The film's screenplay was written by George Melly, based on his novel. The film is a satirical and frenetic look at the Swinging Sixties in London. The movie follows two young girls, Brenda and Yvonne, who are best friends and escape their boring lives in Northern England to seek their fortunes in London, convinced that the streets are paved with gold. Their goal is to become famous and fashionable like the icons of their time – Twiggy, Marianne Faithfull, and Jean Shrimpton.

The film starts with a satirical take on the advertising industry, which both girls become involved with. The opening scene depicts them working as shop assistants, desperately trying to sell a dubious health product to a skeptical public. After an unfortunate encounter with their shady boss, the girls quit their jobs and head to London.

Once in the city, Brenda and Yvonne are taken on a whirlwind tour of London's most fashionable spots, from trendy boutiques to swinging nightclubs. They are quickly overcome by the sensory saturation of London and find themselves in a dizzying world of psychedelic colours, groovy music, and outrageous fashions.

The film's plot thickens as the girls become involved with a group of eccentric filmmakers, who offer them the chance of becoming famous stars. They are featured in a film that is laden with strange and surreal imagery while poking fun at the film industry. Meanwhile, Brenda and Yvonne become embroiled in a love triangle with a wealthy young man, played by Michael York.

Smashing Time is an energetic tribute to the style and sound of the sixties, along with its trends and excesses. Set against a backdrop of vibrant colours and psychedelic designs, this film captures the essence of the swinging era through witty dialogues and a rousing soundtrack. The film's pacing is brisk, the editing is dynamic and visually captivating, and the performances by the cast are wholeheartedly enthusiastic.

The film’s comedy is mostly physical, with Tushingham and Redgrave’s characters careening through a series of slapstick set-pieces. It's impossible not to be swept up in Brenda and Yvonne's hijinks as they bumble their way through stylish London. Rita Tushingham and Lynn Redgrave prove themselves to be excellent comediennes, with impeccable comedic timing and a willingness to embrace every absurdity.

The film also offers a sharp social commentary on the class struggle and the changing roles of women in the sixties. Though Brenda and Yvonne are initially portrayed as naive and unworldly, they quickly realize that their dreams of fame and fortune are not as easily attainable as they had hoped. The film takes an unapologetically feminist stance, championing women's independence and their need for self-realization.

In conclusion, Smashing Time is an enjoyable and whimsical film that offers a glimpse into the Swinging Sixties. The film's vibrant energy, combined with its clever satire and romantic comedy, makes for a fun-filled and entertaining cinematic experience. This film is a must-watch for fans of sixties nostalgia and the British New Wave film movement.