Privates on Parade

Privates on Parade

Malaysia, 1947. Some fought. Some danced.

R 1983 · 113 min · ★ 4.9 · Comedy, Drama, War, Music

It is 1947, the year of the communist rebellion in Malaya and the British army's SADUSEA (Song And Dance Unit South East Asia) are called to the Malayan Jungle to entertain the troops. The eccentric, bible-bashing Major Giles Flack (John Cleese) is in command of the unit. Flack is accompanied by an ageing, theatrical drama queen, Terri Dennis (Denis Quilley) who hopes to entertain the troops with his flamboyant impressions, but the bored troops find other ways to enjoy themselves.

Directed by Michael Blakemore · Written by Peter Nichols

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Make it a double feature

4h 17m together

Privates on Parade

Kiss Me, Kate

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