A Chorus of Disapproval

A Chorus of Disapproval is a charming late-80s comedy-drama that boasts a talented ensemble cast including the likes of Jeremy Irons, Anthony Hopkins, and Richard Briers. Originally released in 1989, this underrated cinematic gem based on the play of the same name by Alan Ayckbourn offers a delightful blend of humor, drama, and snippets of captivating music.

The story is set in the quaint town of Pendon, where Guy Jones (Jeremy Irons), a widow, has just moved and started a low-profile job in computerization. Jeremy Irons's modest and somewhat naïve character is the heart of this movie. Feeling the itch to get involved in the local community and discover people with similar interests, he clumsily gets himself roped into the Pendon Amateur Light Operatic Society, a group renowned for its amateur theater performances.

The Society, directed by Dafydd Llewellyn (Anthony Hopkins in a robust and notably charming role), is known for its eccentricity as much as for its explosive dynamics. Llewellyn, a Welshman with a relentless passion for theater, is unmistakably the driving force behind the group's theatrical endeavors.

Guy, the newcomer with little known background in theater, soon finds himself rapidly advancing from the anonymity of the ensemble to a lead role in the group's ambitious attempt at staging John Gay’s, "The Beggar's Opera." This unexpected turn of events surprises the rest of the group, and Guy's seemingly innocent involvement begins to stir up drama off the stage.

Wrapped up in the deliciously awkward chaos that ensues, Guy quickly becomes a hapless magnet for the various personal, romantic, and political rivalries that constantly simmer within the society. His unassuming nature, in contrast to the flamboyant personalities around him, serves as the perfect catalyst for a series of hilarious misadventures. His vulnerability also holds a strange appeal for the women in the group, leading to another spectrum of complications.

Anthony Hopkins is brilliant as the obsessive director, often lost in his world, struggling with everything from the eccentric finishes of the officers to the larger problems of casting his roles. It's no less than delightful watching Hopkins juggling endless calamities as the passionate artistic enthusiast unafraid of stepping on toes. Briers, as the affable but clueless Jarvis Huntley-Pike, is also perfect in his role, filling it with charm and bringing in his knack for physical comedy.

Under the directorial prowess of Michael Winner, A Chorus of Disapproval wonderfully captures the essence of Ayckbourn's original play. The material is handled with delicacy and intelligence, ensuring a satisfying blend of drama and humor in this classic farcical comedia dell'arte setup. Further enriched by the melodic pieces scattered throughout the film, this charming British movie offers a truly intriguing exploration of human nature.

A Chorus of Disapproval boasts performances steeped in hilarity and the absurd that create a vivid and intricate picture of community theater life, where the stakes are ostensibly small but the egos are undeniably big. The film also does an excellent job of showing that, often in life, the off-stage drama is more captivating than the actual play itself. Effortlessly intertwined are the themes of love, friendship, ambition, and betrayal, all centered around a humble protagonist in a colorful world of eccentric amateur thespians.

Whether as an interpretation of Ayckbourn's play or in its standalone cinematic glory, A Chorus of Disapproval is a witty, farcical, and entertaining meditation on the absurdities of human nature, society and of course, the joy and perils of community theater. This film serves as a perfect satire on 'the play within a play' concept, and remains a testament to the talents of its stellar cast and skilled director. Traversing the fine line between comedy and drama, its exploration of theater's backstage dynamics is as intriguing as it is amusing, making this movie a delightful watch for any film enthusiast.