Praise Marx and Pass the Ammunition

Do not be deterred by this formidable-looking piece of political propaganda, made for virtually nothing and originally seen by virtually no one. Although it is part agitprop, with lots of facts and figures on social deprivation, it is, as the title suggests, mostly satire and takes amusing swipes at a Swinging Sixties stereotype, the Marxist-Leninist revolutionary with noble ideals and feet of clay. Partly shot during the Paris student riots, it is a fascinating testament to long-lost hopes. There is also considerable appeal in the fact that the activist dedicated to the overthrow of capitalism, but not averse to bedding a few dolly birds along the way, is played by a very young John Thaw.