“England
expects… and will not be
disappointed with this clever and
hilarious spoof that sees the nasty
Nazis taking over London with the
country’s only hope a large-handed
farm-worker determined to kick out
the Jackboots On Whitehall...”
WITH ITS PIONEERING TECHNIQUES in animatronics and CGI animation, Jackboots
On Whitehall clicks instantly with its riotous satire and side-swipes at
the British and the Germans alike.
It is a beautiful day in England's green and pleasant land… Or is it? Just as
Captain English (voice of Tobias Menzies, who also voices Montgomery) is bragging
about his exploits to a number of wide-eyed Barbie dolls, the sky darkens and
a German Zeppelin appears. A portent of doom as the peace of the countryside
is shattered by gunfire and a plentiful supply of maniacal German laughter.
The beautiful Daisy (voice of Rosamund Pike), recently returned from boarding
school, is the love interest of farm-worker Chris (voice of Ewan McGregor),
who was a foundling and who was denied active service because of his unusually
large hands. Daisy's father is the unconventional vicar (voice of Richard E
Grant) of quintessentially English village Hollow Bottom, and is yet to have
his finest hour.
In this alternative history the evacuation of the British army from Dunkirk
has been unsuccessful, leaving England unprotected and vulnerable to invasion
from German forces. The RAF is down to one man, the redoubtable Billy Fiske
(Dominic West) — who just happens to be a gung-ho, Russkie- and Communist-obsessed
American.
But the Germans hadn't reckoned on English spirit; and on hearing of the forthcoming
invasion Chris, the vicar and Daisy set off in a steam traction engine —
a "crazy-assed war machine" — to take on the best of the German army with
Billy's help. It's now up to the nation to repel the aggressors and rescue Prime
Minister Winston Churchill (voice of Timothy Spall).
While 'Winnie' learns of the invasion, the fiendish Germans — led by the
excitable Goering (Richard Griffiths), Himmler (Richard O'Brien) and Goebbels
(Tom Wilkinson) — burst onto the streets of London, temporarily held back
by the brave Major Rupee (Sanjeev Bhaskar) leading his dedicated troop of Punjabis.
With a very camp Hitler (Alan Cummings) firmly ensconced at Buckingham Palace
and planning further evil deeds, all seems lost — until Churchill and his
raggle-taggle band of loyal followers decide to head for the hills of Scot Land
and safety behind Hadrian's Wall. But what lies beyond the wall? And are the
English really as safe as they think?
Jackboots On Whitehall explores an alternative, side-splitting history
with fascinating wit and remarkable creativity. Clever touches include a poster
declaring 'Is Your Journey Really Necessary' as the steam traction engine carries
the vital relief force to London. The Ritz Hotel becomes The FRitz Hotel and
a Pole doggedly repairs telegraph lines and becomes stuck… up a pole! But never
forget that being English means being free. Surrender? NEVER!
The brilliant Jackboots On Whitehall is the creditable debut of writer-director
brothers Edward and Rory McHenry and when the film premiered in June at the
Edinburgh Film Festival, it uniquely received a unanimous Special Mention from
the Jury for the Michael Powell Award.
The incredible line-up of voice talents also includes Stephen Merchant as Tom,
Hugh Fraser as The Frenchman and the BBC Newsreader; Pam Ferris as Matron Rutty;
Neil Newbon as the Zeppelin Captain; Alexander Armstrong as Red Leader and Charlotte
Moore as Heidi and Helga and also a very naughty dairy maid with a penchant
for French delights.
Production Design is by David McHenry; Director of Photography is Michael Connor;
VFX Supervisors are Clare Cheetham and Jonathan Cheetham; Music is by Guy Michelmore;
Edited by Christopher Blunden ACE; Associate Producers include Cara Cheeseman,
Marc Dando, Debbie McWilliams and Lukas Klein; Produced by Karl Richards and
Patrick Scoffin; and Directed and Written by Edward and Rory McHenry.
The outrageously funny Second World War satire Jackboots On Whitehall goose-steps
onto DVD on January 24, courtesy of Sony Pictures Home Entertainment. RRP: DVD
£15.99 | Certificate: 15 | Running Time: 95 Minutes.
Special Features: Crew Interviews | Behind The Scenes Featurette | The Swastikas
Featurette | Bad Day To Be A Nazi Featurette | Hitler's Rat Pack Featurette
| The Nazi Hotties Featurette | Explosions Featurette | Voice-Overs Featurette.
"Jackboots On Whitehall explores an alternative, side-splitting history
with fascinating wit and remarkable creativity" —
Maggie Woods, MotorBar
"Team America crashing headfirst into Inglorious Basterds!" —
Simon Reynolds, Digital Spy
“England
expects… and will not be