Abigail's Party
Dir: Mike Leigh
1977
*****
Abigail's Party is classic Mike Leigh and the best of classic BBC programming from the 1970's. Based on a play, it retains the same theatrical feel but is enhanced with a sitcom style edge. Its script is subtle but as sharp as a knife. It's performances are great too, particularly by the female cast, lead by the highly influential character of Beverly played brilliantly by Alison Steadman. It captures 1970's suburbia brilliantly with class clashes, heirs and graces and cheese and pineapple sticks. A great place to start when discovering the brilliance of Mike Leigh.