'I'm All Right Jack (1959)' is actually a sequel to 'Private's Progress (1956)', following Stanley Windrush as he enters industry after leaving the army. Despite having a few of the same characters, including Terry-Thomas' ex-CO and Dennis Price's dodgy uncle, the picture could easily be viewed with no knowledge of its predecessor. It's kind of strange that this was done as a sequel, actually, as the characters are generic enough that you'd never be able to tell they were in another movie if it weren't for their names. Still, it's an oddity that's so inconsequential it has no bearing on the quality of the piece whatsoever. The movie is a satire of Britain's working environment, pitting a group of union workers against their money-grubbing bosses. It has a fair bit to say about capitalism and the push-pull between work and bureaucracy, but it does so in a jovial way that puts humour over serious political commentary. It's sometimes farcical and sometimes subtle, featuring a slew of sly characters all trying to get as much as they can for as little work as possible - no matter on which side of the employer-employee divide they fall. It's a little slow in places and it's arguably a bit too long for its own good. Still, it has its highlights and is occasionally humorous. Its protagonist is also effortlessly likeable, though sadly he does disappear for large portions of the picture. It's a solid effort overall, even if it isn't as compelling as it perhaps could have been.
Review of I'm All Right Jack
