I saw this movie in 1968 and thought it was a hoot. I remember thinking how outrageous it was, but mostly was fascinated by the work Donald Sutherland and Calvin Lockhart. Of course, this is not a film that "wears well" as to look at it now, it seems rather campy and silly. Joanna, as a free-wheeling girl of the '60's seems more like a doormat in our "enlightened" 21st century eyes. However in 1968, relationships between white women and black men were much more taboo and this part of the film brought considerable controversy which would be laughable today. There are several homages to Fellini that don't really work in such a breezy little film. Unfortunately, they might not be see as recognizable homages at this point in time. My review is based on what I thought about at the time, but it is certainly worth a glance if one has never seen it.
Plot summary
When 17 year old Joanna comes to Swinging London, she meets a host of colourful characters, discovers the pleasures of casual sex and falls in love. That's when things get complicated.
Uploaded by: FREEMAN
September 30, 2021 at 05:54 PM
Director
Top cast
Tech specs
720p.BLU 1080p.BLUMovie Reviews
Anachronistic, but fun
funny old year,1968
Just glancing through the couple of dozen IMDb reviews for this film, it is clear that there are as many 'hates' as 'loves' and almost nobody who thinks its just okay. A 'Marmite' movie you might say and perhaps with good reason. Why did I sit watching with a grin on my face throughout and a warm feeling despite some of the undoubted silliness and such a strange and varied performance from Candy-like Genevieve Waite? Almost inexplicable and yet there is something inherently charming and likeable abut something clearly created with much love that refuses to conform to one's expectations. Take the performance of Donald Sutherland. It is crazy. He is trying to be some blue-blooded English aristo but he can't really even do an ordinary English accent that well. It sounds like a joke impersonation complete with stuttering and elongated vowels but it is clear that he is having the time of his life. It is a wonderful performance through which it seems the viewer is glimpsing something of the actual person, despite the non traditional acting style (or because of it). There are some beautifully shot scenes, some mind boggling dialogue, lots of pretty girls and absolutely stacks of even prettier clothes. The music is varied and well selected and all in all the movie seemed to me a sheer delight. Sarne showed great promise here and the movie was not a disaster, that was the fate of his next (Myra Breckinridge - which I also liked) and that was it for the poor guy. Great shame but at least we have this perfect gem of a souvenir from that funny old year,1968.
Not an Odd Period Piece. In Fact, Joanna is Not a Piece at All
This is a fairly typical English "Swinging 60's" movie.
Only there isn't a lot of swinging.
In fact, there isn't much at all.
So many films like this were made back then it takes something special to differentiate one from another and this sure didnt get pas the clutter.
It's a rather pedestrian rambling boring movie with little to recommend.