Maybe it's a generation thing. I do hope not! But the release of this clip as a download was pretty exciting. It is reputedly the first "purpose made" WAM movie with sound (the first pie scene at any rate). Originally released in full as a bbfc approved VHS video in 1989 (though, apparently, shot in 85-86) "The Hopeful Starlet" for me--as well as oozing a lot of custard, also oozes a feeling of fond nostalgia for the pioneering days of messy movie making and a sense of wonder that, when this movie was made, I still felt like I was the only person in the world with this fascination--little did I know!
This clip is pretty innocent, but no less comic and titillating as an exploitation piece that, with all the PC brooms sweeping entertainment at that time, would never have made it into a mainstream comedy in a million years. The metaphorically cigar chomping Alpha male boss (a proto-Professor Treacle, Mr Roper), subjecting his 'poor' (trying not to laugh) secretary, Suzanne, to an impromptu head to foot drenching with large amounts of custard in order to make a point to his over-eager slapstick protege, Margie. It's good old slapstick as an exercise in low level rough-housing and messy humiliation. It is ridiculous, but funny and finely executed by the trio. It's--all in all--quite satisfying!
Originally shot on high quality analogue video, it's not exactly 4k--but it's good for it's time and has transferred well.
Great fun and a must for the collector.
Trouso 3/26/17