Watch What's Good for the Goose
- R
- 1969
- 1 hr 45 min
-
5.1 (380)
What's Good for the Goose is a 1969 British comedy film that stars Norman Wisdom, Sally Geeson, and Sarah Atkinson. The film was directed by Menahem Golan and was produced by his company, The Cannon Group. In the movie, Norman Wisdom plays the role of Timothy Bartlett, a middle-aged assistant bank manager from London who suffers from a midlife crisis. He feels unappreciated and unfulfilled by his job and his domestic life, which consists of a nagging wife and a teenage daughter who have no interest in spending time with him.
One day, Timothy's boss sends him on a business trip to attend a conference in Southport. Timothy is not enthusiastic about the trip, but he decides to make the most of it by visiting the town's entertainment venues. In one of the clubs, he meets a group of young hippies, led by a girl named Nikki (played by Geeson), who invites him to join them for a night of drinking and partying. Timothy hesitates at first, but he eventually joins the group and has the time of his life.
The next day, Timothy decides to take the day off and spend more time with Nikki and her friends. He feels rejuvenated by their youthful energy and carefree attitude, and he starts to question the values and expectations of his middle-class life. He begins to wear hippie clothes and listen to rock music, much to the shock and disapproval of his family and colleagues.
As the film progresses, Timothy becomes more involved with Nikki and her friends and tries to reconcile his newfound lifestyle with his responsibilities as a husband and father. He also struggles with the disapproval of his colleagues and the police, who see him as a troublemaker and a potential criminal.
What's Good for the Goose is an interesting and unconventional film that highlights the generation gap and the tension between traditional and modern values. The film was made at a time when the counter-culture movement was at its peak, and the filmmakers tried to capture the mood of the time by including scenes of protests, sit-ins, and anti-war rallies. The film also features a great soundtrack, with iconic songs from artists like The Who, Jimi Hendrix, and Cream.
Norman Wisdom gives a surprisingly nuanced performance as Timothy Bartlett, showing both his character's vulnerability and his willingness to embrace new experiences. Sally Geeson is also excellent as Nikki, managing to convey both her character's free-spiritedness and her emotional depth. Sarah Atkinson is also notable as Timothy's wife, who tries to hold on to her traditional values while facing her husband's transformation.
Overall, What's Good for the Goose is a fun and thought-provoking film that explores the themes of self-discovery, generational conflict, and the pursuit of happiness. It may not be one of the most well-known comedies of the 1960s, but it is certainly worth watching for its colorful visuals, great music, and strong performances.