Educating Rita (1983)

2007 #77
Lewis Gilbert | 106 mins | TV | 15 / PG

Julie Walters makes her big screen debut opposite Michael Caine in this British comedy drama about a 26-year-old University student and her disenchanted drink-sodden tutor, adapted by Willy Russell from his own play and directed by the man behind Alfie and three Bond films.

For a comedy drama (which usually fail to do either successfully) it’s genuinely very funny, but maintains an appropriate weight in the dramatic moments. The script is full of great lines, beautifully delivered by the two leads; Walters is especially excellent.

If you haven’t seen it it might not be what you expect, but that’s no bad thing. Recommended.