Barry McKenzie Holds His Own

Barry McKenzie Holds His Own is a 1974 Australian comedy film directed by the insightful Bruce Beresford. The film is the sequel to the popular 1972 film The Adventures of Barry McKenzie. It stars Barry Crocker reprising his role as the titular character Barry McKenzie and is filled with the exuberant comedic antics of Barry Humphries who both co-wrote the screenplay with Beresford and portrayed multiple characters in the film. The inimitable Donald Pleasence also plays a significant role, lending his masterful acting skills to this wild journey.

The fascinating storyline revolves around the affable yet naive Aussie, Barry McKenzie (Crocker), who continues his exciting voyage, this time across various European countries. Unlike its predecessor, Barry's excursion in this film incorporates a little more intrigue and suspense. Barry McKenzie, who is now famously known for his outlandish adventures, attracts the attention of Count Plasma (Pleasence), the ruler of a fictional Eastern European country called Transylvania.

Count Plasma, driven by a bizarre and quietly amusing myth that the blood of a certain type of virgin has magical properties that will maintain his wife's youth, orders Barry to be kidnapped. The film then ingenely balances the genres of comedy and action while spinning an engaging yarn around Barry's tribulations as he navigates through this unexpected challenge, keeping viewers on their toes while also making them laugh.

Barry engagingly interacts and confronts a colourful array of characters as he attempts to free himself from the strange predicament his captors have placed him in. Barry Humphries masterfully portrays multiple characters, notably the spunky, problem-solving diplomat Dame Edna Everage, who embarks on an adventure of her own to help rescue Barry McKenzie. Humphries' other characters in the film, such as the quick-witted politician Lady Glenelg, also add delightful layers to the hilarious narrative.

The film underscores Joseph Furst and Dick Bentley, both of whom skillfully accompany the main characters, adding a great deal of depth to the story. The film also features a host of guest appearances from various British comedy figures including Spike Milligan, Peter Cook, and Willie Rushton, among others - each of them contributing to the joyride of laughter with their unique comedic spin.

Adding significant texture to the film are the lively scenes that illustrate the striking contrast between Australian and European cultural norms and practices. The film is filled to the brim with jokes and gags that are steeped in Australian slang and jargon. Through Barry's eyes, viewers are treated to a somewhat exaggerated, yet humorous take on the culture clash between the laid-back Australian ethos and the more traditional European customs.

Despite its rollicking and light-hearted plot mechanics, Barry McKenzie Holds His Own does not shy away from social commentaries. Through its comedy, it touches upon issues like geopolitics, cultural stereotypes, and the idea of national identity. However, these themes are handled with levity, maintaining a charming atmosphere throughout the film. Therefore, it remains accessible to those who simply wish to enjoy some laughter, while also giving something to ponder to those who prefer to delve a bit deeper into the narrative.

The direction by Bruce Beresford is sharp, ensuring that the film never drags and the pacing is just right. Beresford masterfully juggles diverse elements of comedy, action, drama, and social satire, while ensuring the narrative stays consistently engaging. The screenplay by Beresford and Humphries is energetic and fun-filled while also showing nuances of intelligent wit and satire.

Cinematographer Donald McAlpine does an excellent job of capturing the eclectic European settings and landscapes, alongside the quirky and larger-than-life characters that fill them. The music by Peter Best is chock-full of catchy tunes that keep the viewers tapping their feet, matching the energetic pace of the film framing.

In conclusion, Barry McKenzie Holds His Own is a classic piece of Australian cinema, that offers a unique blend of comedy, adventure, and a spin of social satire. It's one of those films that manages to be engaging and entertaining while also offering a humorous, if exaggerated, explore into cultural contrasts between nations. Despite its age, Barry McKenzie Holds His Own continues to be enjoyed for its commitment to fun, its endearing characters and memorable one-liners.