A government-owned hospital in Britain tries to carry on despite ultrapowerful unions, class war, socialist revolutionaries, and medical egomania. [ Britannia Hospital credits: Dir: Lindsay Anderson/ Leonard Rossiter, Graham Crowden, Malcolm McDowell/ 112 min/ Comedy/ Britain/ Unions & Monopolies, Government Health Care, Equality & Envy] “Britannia Hospital is a … [Read more...]
Best Little Whorehouse in Texas (1982)
A Texas brothel is shut down by a television personality’s campaign to enforce anti-prostitution laws against it. [ Best Little Whorehouse in Texas credits: Dir: Colin Higgins/Burt Reynolds, Dolly Parton, Dom DeLuise/ 115 min/ Musical-Dance, Comedy/ Sexual Liberty] “The overall effect of the film is to put legalized prostitution in a very favorable light, and to cast its … [Read more...]
Harry’s War (1981)
A mild-mannered postman, driven to extremes by IRS injustice, single-handedly takes on the U.S. government. Based on actual IRS cases. [ Harry's War credits: Dir: Kieth Merrill/ Edward Herrmann, Geraldine Page, Karen Grassle/ 98 min/ Comedy, Drama/ Anti-Taxation] “A popular libertarian film and an effective, lighthearted drama with many comedic touches.” This is one of … [Read more...]
Nasty Habits (1977)
The abbess-apparent of a Philadelphia nunnery goes to illegal extremes to insure her election and resigns in disgrace when those extremes become known. [ Nasty Habits: Dir: Michael Lindsay-Hogg/ Glenda Jackson, Melina Mercouri, Geraldine Page/ 92 min/ Comedy/ Britain/ Corrupt Government] “This is a very enjoyable comedy, regardless of whether you know anything about … [Read more...]
Don’t Drink the Water (1969)
A vacationing American family accidentally ends up behind the Iron Curtain and is mistaken for spies. [ Don't Drink the Water credits: Dir: Howard Morris/ Jackie Gleason, Estelle Parsons, Ted Bessell/ 100 min/ Comedy/ Escape from Socialism, Abuse of Power] “Based on a play by Woody Allen, Don't Drink the Water has a very witty script. It also benefits from a terrific cast. … [Read more...]
Heavens Above! (1963)
A town’s new vicar encourages the naive application of unlimited charity within his flock—with disastrous results. [ Heavens Above! credits: Dir: John & Roy Boulting/ Peter Sellers, Cecil Parker, Isabel Jeans/ 105 min/ Comedy/ Britain/ Anti-Redistribution] “One of the most amusing British comedies of the 1960s. The story is clever and insightful, and Peter Sellers is … [Read more...]
Silk Stockings (1957)
A stolid female Soviet agent is sent to Paris on business and is seduced by capitalist ways. [ Silk Stockings credits: Dir: Rouben Mamoulian/ Fred Astaire, Cyd Charisse, Janis Paige, Peter Lorre/ 118 min/ Musical-Dance, Comedy, Romance/ Anti-Socialism] “Silk Stockings is a very entertaining film. Partly this reflects a slew of great Cole Porter songs. My favorite is 'The … [Read more...]
All at Sea (1957)
A retired Royal Navy captain challenges corrupt local government after his property is condemned and seized. [ All at Sea credits: Dir: Charles Frend/ Alec Guinness, Irene Brown, Percy Herbert/ 82min/ Comedy/Britain/Eminent Domain, Government Enforced Morality] Note: film also listed as Barnacle Bill. “All At Sea is a wonderful film -- entertaining, and with strong … [Read more...]
Green Grow the Rushes (1951)
WINNER: TOP 25 LIBERTARIAN FILMS The citizens of a small town in England outwit meddling officials from the Ministry of Agriculture. [ Green Grow the Rushes credits: Dir: Derek Twist/ Roger Livesey, Honor Blackman, Richard Burton/ 77 min/ Comedy/ Britain/ Anti-Regulation, Anti-Taxation] No trailer available. “What a delightful story! This wonderful British comedy is full of … [Read more...]
The Man in the White Suit (1951)
WINNER: TOP 25 LIBERTARIAN FILMS A research scientist invents a fabric both indestructible and stainproof, but manufacturing interests and unions try to prevent its production. [ The Man in the White Suit credits: Dir: Alexander MacKendrick/ Alec Guinness, Joan Greenwood, Cecil Parker/ 81 min/ Comedy/ Britain/ Creator as Hero] “The Man in the White Suit is not only a … [Read more...]