Romantic comedy written and directed by Ben Elton, starring Hugh Laurie and Joely Richardson. Sam and Lucy Bell are a happily married and successful couple whose seemingly perfect life lacks just one thing - a baby. The pair's energetic attempts to conceive become increasingly frustrating, and then Sam decides to secretly write a TV screenplay about their exploits.
For his debut as writer/director, Ben Elton tries - and fails - to step into the winning comedy shoes of erstwhile Black Adder partner Richard Curtis (Four Weddings and a Funeral, Notting Hill). Revolving around Hugh Laurie and Joely Richardson's attempts to have a child, this clichéd, caricatured and dreadfully acted tale has all the wit, sparkle and profundity of a 1970s Confessions movie. Despite good intentions, the unbelievable story resembles a bad sitcom, wrapped up with a huge sentimental ribbon. Elton's direction is bland and colourless, and even gratuitous cameos from chums Rowan Atkinson, Emma Thompson and Dawn French fail to disperse the pungent odour of turkey.
| role | name |
|---|---|
| Sam Bell | Hugh Laurie |
| Lucy Bell | Joely Richardson |
| George | Adrian Lester |
| Carl Phipps | James Purefoy |
| Ewan Proclaimer | Tom Hollander |
| Sheila | Joanna Lumley |
| Nigel | Matthew Macfadyen |
| Druscilla | Emma Thompson |
| Mr James | Rowan Atkinson |
| Charlene | Dawn French |
| role | name |
|---|---|
| Director | Ben Elton |
