Search - Joseph Andrews on DVD

Underrated period comedy classic!

Rodney Luck | Greensboro, NC | 09/23/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"JOSEPH ANDREWS is a glorious adaptation of the Henry Fielding novel. Done in much the same style as Tony Richardson's previous film TOM JONES. This viewer prefers JOSEPH ANDREWS as a more satisfying film experience. The adaptation from book to movie works better. The performances from all the classic British actors are priceless. The dialogue, filming, editing, costumes and locations are perfectly brought to life. Special mention has to go to Ann-Margret for her performance as Lady Booby. You won't see a more controlled, flawless, hilarious performance in any other film. She is striking to watch. Not only in her beauty, but in the delivery of her lines. Her accent is totally convincing. When has an actress made eating asparagus look soooooooo enticing! JOSEPH ANDREWS is definitely one of the forgotten gems from the 70's. Mixed-up identities and bawdiness at it's best!"

A secret gem!

G. Turner | Chiddingfold, nr Godalming, Surrey England | 09/02/2003

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Henry Fielding wrote Joseph Andrews before Tom Jones and in my opinion this is the better novel to screen adaptation.

The real surprise here is Ann-Margret's stunning performance. Here she's up against some of the most established and accomplished English character actors - Sir Michael Hordern, Sir John Gielgud, Beryl Reid, Jim Dale and Peter Firth, not only does she hold her own, she steals every scene she's in.



Ann-Margret as Lady Booby is genuinly funny dressed as a cherry glazed tart with the most persuasive English accent I've heard in years. The interplay between Lady Booby and her hand maiden Slipslop (played brilliantly by the late Beryl Reid) is hilarious. With a stellar cast and bawdy humour to boot, I can't think of a better way of spending a night in front of the TV."

Not quite "Tom Jones", but delightful

Timothy King | Burke, VA USA | 05/14/2004

(4 out of 5 stars)

""Joseph Andrews" is not as witty, charming, and disarming as its predecessor, "Tom Jones", but performances by Ann Margaret and, even moreso, Beryl Reid, lend this film its best moments. The film's hero is a bit bland, his love interest beyond bland, and the film has the feel of "haven't we been here before... and wasn't it funnier then?" There are some genuinely funny moments, but the real reason to see it is the aforementioned Ms. Reid.
The late Beryl Reid, one of the most underrated (and sadly least filmed) character actresses of the film age, is Lady Booby's maid, Slipshod. Her scenes are the best in the film and it's a rare opportunity to see this actress in a role that she can sink her teeth into. See also the hard-to-find "Entertaining Mr. Sloane" and "The Killing of Sister George"."

Lady Booby: 'nuff said

Timothy King | 12/12/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"What can I say? AM's finest moment. Spectacularly sleazy.Oh, and the rest of the film's nice too, etc."