Perfect Friday

It might not be the perfect crime caper, but A Perfect Friday offers plenty of laughs and entertainment, as well as revealing shots of blond bombshell Ursula Andress.

This movie from 1970 stars Stanley Baker in top form as Mr. Graham, a timid bank manager whose life, and in particular his work routine, ticks away with the precision of a clockwork, without much excitement in between. Stuck in office cubicles with look as monochrome as the work is monotone, Graham tends to his various tasks and clients. These involve, amongst others, the arrogant and eccentric Lord Nicholas Dorset (brilliantly played by David Warner), a 20th century fop seemingly in contest with Quentin Crisp (as far as hairstyles and camp attire go). Lord Dorset is married to foreign sex kitten Britt (U. Andress), and thanks to their joint extravagant lifestyle and Britt’s addiction to clothes, the couple live way beyond their means.

That’s good news for Mr. Graham, for finally he sees his chance to break out of his dull existence… Having devised a cunning plan to rob his own bank of some money, he uses the fact that the Dorsets are in debt to his advantage. With their help, he stages the apparent perfect robbery, on a ‘perfect’ Friday! Before the stunt rolls across the stage, however, he also starts an affair with the sassy Miss Andress – who isn’t at all opposed to the idea. Indeed, opposites attract they say, and the lovers couldn’t look more different (she extravagant, he rather unassuming). The onstage chemistry between Andress and Baker is rollicking good fun to watch, while Warner is perfect at playing an insufferable snob almost bored by his own inflated status.

The emphasis of the story lies more in keeping us entertained rather than holding us in firm grip with suspense, for there is precious little to be had of the latter. After the heist is pulled off and all is set for a happy escape to sunnier countries, the twist unfolds… though we can almost guess it, being aware that the three robbers begin to double-cross one another the minute the money is stolen. So who will really make a lucky escape to some exotic country?

The film is featured in a brand-new transfer from original film elements in its as-exhibited theatrical aspect ratio. Both DVD and Blu-ray offer German language trailer and stills gallery as bonus material.