Expresso Bongo

An adaptation of Wolf Mankowitz's 1958 showbiz musical, bristling with period flavour, from the cast's brylcreemed coiffures and snazzy ties to the presence of Gilbert Harding playing himself. More surprisingly, it also bristles with energy and wit, and even survives the presence of the 19-year-old Cliff Richard as the bongo-thumping boy pushed up to stardom by Harvey's impeccably smarmy agent. The result is probably Britain's most abrasive and entertaining film musical.