Common Sense Media Review
By Kat Halstead
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
British comedy blends dark satire with a light touch.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 13+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
A Private Function
What's the Story?
In A PRIVATE FUNCTION, Gilbert (Michael Palin) and his wife, Joyce (Maggie Smith), aspire to move up the social ranks in their small northern town, where post World War II rationing has led to a black market that separates the haves from the have nots. When Gilbert discovers a group of respected men are secretly rearing an unlicensed pig to throw a feast for the royal wedding of Princess Elizabeth and Prince Philip, a pushy Joyce encourages him to steal it for their own gain.
Is It Any Good?
Fans of Alan Bennett will recognize the writer's characteristic combination of dark satire with a light touch in this enjoyable British farce featuring a stellar cast. A Private Function touches on class dynamics and the desperation to keep up appearances, all the while hatching an Ealing-style crime caper behind closed doors. A knowing nod tips performances into the delightfully absurd at times, with Smith and Palin perfectly cast as exasperated wife Joyce and hardworking but docile husband Gilbert, whose ambitions lead them to move an illegal giant pig named Betty into their humble terraced home. Much humor is mined from the chaos Betty brings, and from Gilbert's growing fondness that makes him unable to do the deed that will ultimately bring home the bacon. As Joyce's mother, Liz Smith adds a conspiratorial light relief, her wily eye never missing a trick as she eats the pair out of house and home. The rest of the supporting cast are equally entertaining, and there's an affection to the treatment of the characters—no matter how ridiculous—that adds a layer of warmth to the smart, funny script.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how wealth and class were portrayed in A Private Function. How did families signify they had money and status? What things was Joyce particularly jealous of and why?
How did the movie tread the line between making fun of its characters but also making them understandable and, at some times, likable? Writer Alan Bennett is particularly known for this combination. Have you seen or read any of his other work? How did this compare?
How did the movie portray sex and relationships? Were they affectionate? Respectful? Parents, talk to your teens about your own values regarding sex and relationships.
Movie Details
- In theaters : March 1, 1985
- On DVD or streaming : February 8, 2011
- Cast : Maggie Smith , Michael Palin , Denholm Elliott
- Director : Malcolm Mowbray
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s) , Bisexual Movie Actor(s) , Gay Movie Writer(s)
- Studio : Image Entertainment
- Genre : Comedy
- Topics : Animals
- Run time : 92 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Awards : BAFTA - BAFTA Winner , BAFTA - BAFTA Nominee
- Last updated : September 18, 2025
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by
Suggest an Update
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate