Spidersecu Don't Believe the Hype

Solidrariol Am I Missing Something?

ChicDragon It's a mild crowd pleaser for people who are exhausted by blockbusters.

Wyatt There's no way I can possibly love it entirely but I just think its ridiculously bad, but enjoyable at the same time.

redisle Other reviews cover the virtues of this short made-for-television film from 1963. However, the mystery remains, or rather, the mysteries since there are two of them. (1) Why do the Germans (and several other countries) watch this film every year? and (2) Why have the English never broadcast it, not even once? I offer my humble opinion on both of these points.First, I think the main reason that this film is viewed so often that it holds the record for the most broadcast film of all time is that it is funny. Yes, simple as that. This does not mean that everyone who watches it will find it funny. There is no accounting for different tastes. Some critics say it only has two gags! So? Is humour measured by the number of gags or cameras or dollars or what? For me this short film is a gem of humour honing the art to its simplest form.Second point, why do the English not broadcast it? I believe this has something to do with the fact that the original film is shot in German. Nowadays, the English do not have a problem with anything originating from Germany. That's not the point. I think it's just that this original film with the titles and introduction in German may be offputting to English broadcasters. Another reason might be that technology is making it harder to show material that is shot in lower resolutions.One more question remains for me: why do the Irish not broadcast it? Methinks it's because they haven't heard of it. Time to change that. Come on, Irish television, let your viewers see this little gem of humour!Finally, a tip for those who want to watch the film on youtube: there are lots of versions out there, some of them woeful remakes to be avoided at all costs. The orginal can be found by looking for "Dinner for One oder Der 90. Geburtstag" and then picking the version that is 17:51 minutes long! Skip to 2:25 if you wish to avoid the introduction in German.Oh, and yes, people do look this silly when they take too much alcohol!

diktor-1 I saw a review from a Dane and I can only agree. Like in Denmark it's always shown on SVT here in Sweden on every New Year's Eve. It happens that I miss "Ring, klocka, ring" (a tradition that this poem is read by some famous Swedish actor from Skansen in Stockholm at midnight that day), but I never ever miss Dinner for One. Even if the number of times I've seen it is now is close to 40, I never get tired of it. In my opinion is it the best, funny short movie that ever is done together with The Plank and Mr. H Is Dead. The acting is superb and the story is funny, even if it's a simple one, or just maybe because it's so simple. And I'm certain, there will be no New Year if I don't see it. :)

TrekkieGrrrl In Denmark, this is the ESSENCE of New Years Eve. Aired every year (except one which I bet the TV station regrets because it was stormed by angry viewers) this is what really spells New Year's Eve in danish! Aired since god knows when, it's simply not new year until you've seen this!I know that the same thing is true for Germany and a lot of other countries.Trivia: Freddie Frinton (The Butler) wouldn't even participate in the skit in Germany in the first place, but eventually agreed, as long as it was kept in English. To this date it's one of the few non-dubbed movies in German television

Earthmonkey16 Ingredients: - 1 elderly lady, celebrating her 90th birthday - 1 old butler - 4 friends, passed away a long time agoWhat you get: - a fancy dinner party for 5, including the various refreshments that usually accompany the various courses - same procedure as last year, miss Sophie?? -Same procedure as every year James!!Which part is the best?? Oh, I don't really know is it the part where James mimics the guests?? Is it the anticipation will he or won't he trip over the tigers head?? (I ain't telling!!) Or is it the surprise at the end....Usually I am already in tears from laughter half way, and then it gets even better