Withnail and I

Original title: Withnail & I

1987
R
1h 47m

IMDb RATING

7.5/10

49K

YOUR RATING

POPULARITY

Play trailer2:06

Buddy Comedy Dark Comedy Comedy Drama

In 1969, two substance-abusing, unemployed actors retreat to the countryside for a holiday that proves disastrous.In 1969, two substance-abusing, unemployed actors retreat to the countryside for a holiday that proves disastrous.In 1969, two substance-abusing, unemployed actors retreat to the countryside for a holiday that proves disastrous.

See production info at IMDbPro

IMDb RATING

7.5/10

49K

YOUR RATING

POPULARITY

4,212

758

See production info at IMDbPro

Awards
- 1 win & 1 nomination

Trivia
The first preview screening appeared to be a total disaster - the audience sat there stony-faced, never laughing once. It was only after the screening had concluded that a distraught Bruce Robinson discovered that the audience was comprised entirely of non-English speaking German tourists who were all staying at a hotel nearby.

Goofs
When Withnail puts his boots in the oven to dry, he opens the iron door with a stick because it will be hot. When he closes it, he uses his hand and doesn't even flinch.

Quotes
Withnail: Are you the farmer?
Marwood: Shut up, I'll deal with this.
Withnail: We've gone on holiday by mistake. We're in this cottage here. Are you the farmer?
Marwood: Stop saying that, Withnail! Of course he's the fucking farmer!

Crazy credits
The end credits contain the following: "...& I Paul McGann" The triple dots are as it follows Richard E. Grant's credit as Withnail (hence matching the movie title). While McGann's character's name is never referenced in the movie, either spoken or written, it has been identified as Marwood in materials issued in relation to the movie.

Alternate versions
The original cinema version of this film was shorter than the one that has since been released on video, laserdisc and DVD. Changes include:
Marwood's opening voice-over has been redubbed.
Marwood's speech about his thumbs having gone weird has been cut. The scene thus goes from the line "I don't feel good" to "Look at my tongue".
Withnail's "I'm gonna pull your head off" has been cut.
Danny's anecdote about The Coalman has been cut.
Some dialogue concerning Withnail's current work and Marwood also being a thespian has been cut out of the scene at Monty's home.
The scene of Marwood slipping in the mud and then angrily persuading Withnail to have another look at the shed has been cut.
The first part of Withnail and Marwood's conversation with the major, concerning Withnail having been in the Territorials, has been cut. The scene in this version simply dissolves from Withnail and Marwood walking to the pub with Marwood's voice-over to the major bringing up the subject of Jake. Marwood's line about why Withnail lied to the major has understandably also been cut.
The word Saveloy has been redubbed to Sausage.

Connections
Featured in Siskel & Ebert: RoboCop/The Squeeze/Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs/Withnail and I (1987)

Soundtracks
A Whiter Shade of Pale
Performed by King Curtis
Written by Keith Reid, Gary Brooker and Matthew Fisher (uncredited)
1969 Published by Westminster Music Ltd.
Original Sound Recording made by Warner Bros. Records

User reviews261

Review

Featured review

9/10

British film-making at its best.

Camden, 1969. Two unemployed actors, Withnail (Richard E Grant), and I (Paul McGann), are facing up to the reality of an empty wine cellar and a harsh comedown following a speed binge. Squalid living conditions and the prospect of life on the poverty line leads 'I' (otherwise known as Marwood), to suggest a rejuvenating break in the Lake District. After Withnail manages to persuade his bizarre uncle, Monty (Richard Griffiths) to part with the keys of his dilapidated cottage, the take the Jag north for a taste of country life.

Adapting to such an alien environment is an initial challenge to the highly strung Withnail; his predicament is significantly worsened following an altercation with poacher Jake (Michael Elphick). Meanwhile, Marwood is forced to concentrate his attentions to fending off the advances of the lecherous Monty, who has inconveniently come to stay.

Following an awkward evening, the pair hurriedly return to London and, after a run-in with the Metropolitan Police, return to find Danny (Ralph Brown) has made himself at home. Drugged rodents fill the oven while Presuming Ed fills the bath and Marwood is rescued from the mire - it seems he will crack the boards after all. "Congratulations", Withnail says emptily, as he begins to contemplate life without his straight man.

Bruce Robinson deserves high praise for creating a rich, debauched world of weird thumbs, phenodihydrochloride benelex, old suits, uncontaminated urine and the Camberwell carrot. WIth a the tightest of budgets, he brings the late 1960's to life. The script is incredibly witty and eminently quotable. Both Mary Selway (casting director) and Bruce Robinson succeeded in bringing dialogue to life with an impeccable choice of actors. Richard E Grant has never come close to his performance as Withnail - his drunken performances are remarkable. Richard Griffiths is as camp as a hat as the overbearing, exuberant Monty, and Ralph Brown is frequently hilarious as the dangerous but lovable Danny.

This is a film that will never be tarnished by age, and neither is it limited by repeat viewings. It is a very accessible film, despite its largely English humour, and 'Withnail' remains one of the best films about friendship. Certainly a one off, 'Withnail' is a must see film that will not disappoint.