Who's Who (1986)

Who's Who Poster

Produced for American Public Television, this documentary on the long-running Doctor Who television series features interviews with actors and actresses who played the traveling companions of the Time Lord hero and with three actors, Jon Pertwee, Peter Davison, and Colin Baker, who portrayed the title character, as well as footage of a U.S. fan convention where Tom Baker, appeared and answered questions. The fan backlash against the 1985-6 hiatus for the series and the finding of some previously lost Jon Pertwee era episodes are addressed, and this documentary closes with some on-the-street interviews with British viewers, who tell who their favorite Doctor is.

Introduction
"Who's Who" is a captivating British funny film that was launched in 1986. The film was directed by Diarmuid Lawrence and written by Malcolm Bradbury. The noteworthy actors and actresses in the movie include names such as Mark Wing-Davey, Phyllida Law, and Dermot Crowley.

Plot Summary
The movie takes place in London and explores the world of English upper-class society, concentrating on the numerous strictly professional household staff serving in affluent homes.

"Who's Who" centers on a boy, Crouch (Mark Wing-Davey), an enthusiastic but unassertive clerk who dreams of increasing the social ladder. Crouch works at a business that specializes in providing spotless domestic personnel - butlers, maids, footmen, chefs - to prominent households.

Character Development
The movie takes a funny, albeit sardonic take a look at class differences, social climbing, and mannerisms common for the British elite. Crouch, a clever man, is often left frustrated by the rigid procedures of his workplace. While he's committed to his job as a clerk, he desires more than his ordinary way of life offers.

Wing-Davey incredibly reveals Crouch's ambition and frustration in his nuanced performance. Dermot Crowley likewise impresses as Billy Rice, another character who serves as rather of a coach to Crouch. Through Billy, Crouch learns more about the art of yoke and the complex characteristics of the British upper class.

Depiction of Social Classes
The movie weaves in socio-political commentary about the outrageousness of the class system in the UK. The essence of the movie depends on its representation of how Crouch, like many others, is stuck in a perpetual cycle of bondage due to his lower social status.

The homes are portrayed as theater stages, where the workers play the roles appointed to them. The narrative basically dissects the British upper class's shallowness, including their passiveness towards their domestic staff's dreams and aspirations.

In one telling scene, the characters discuss "keeping up looks" as more vital than genuine, considerable development. The movie likewise discreetly highlights how the dullness of their work leaves little room for these employees to grow as individuals or support their aspirations.

Conclusion
"Who's Who" is more than simply a comedy movie. Its witty discussion, compelling characters, and informative representation of class departments, accompanied by memorable efficiencies, allow it to delve into something far deeper. It is a social review hidden under the facade of a 'light' category, exposing the deeper and more complex layers of society.

With its spot-on depiction of characters and their socio-political context, the film provides viewers an opportunity to assess classist societies' implications. It presents a reasonable point of view of an unjust system concealed underneath the glamour of upper-class society.

This classic movie is often left undiscussed in discussions about groundbreaking cinema from the previous century. Still, it definitely holds its own due to its astute social commentary and sharp humor. Ultimately, "Who's Who" is a must-see for anyone excited about smart, well-crafted funnies enhanced with deeper meanings.

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