Privates on Parade

"Malaysia, 1947. Some fought. Some danced."

Mar 18 1983 R 1h 47m
Comedy, Drama, War

It is 1947, the year of the communist rebellion in Malaya and the British army's SADUSEA (Song And Dance Unit South East Asia) are called to the Malayan Jungle to entertain the troops. The eccentric, bible-bashing Major Giles Flack (John Cleese) is in command of the unit. Flack is accompanied by an ageing, theatrical drama queen, Terri Dennis (Denis Quilley) who hopes to entertain the troops with his flamboyant impressions, but the bored troops find other ways to enjoy themselves.

Plot

The members of S.A.D.U.S.E.A. (Song and Dance Unit South East Asia) fall in and out of love while trying to dodge Malayan Communist bullets in the late 1940s. Not only that, they have to contend with Bible bashing Major Giles Flack (John Cleese), who creates far more danger than any of the jungle inhabitants. Only gay Acting Captain Terri Dennis (Denis Quilley) seems to be capable of coping with him, but even he isn't aware of the cowardly Sergeant Major Reg Drummond (Michael Elphick) selling arms to the natives.

Written by

Peter Nichols

Directed by

Michael Blakemore

Cast

Patrick Pearson, Michael Elphick, Joe Melia

Crew

View crew

Production Countries

United Kingdom

Production Companies

HandMade Films

Languages

English

Awards

N/A

Scores
# of Votes
1,011
Average Rating
4.8 out of 10
Metascore
NA
Popularity
NA