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Too much of everything

How sad is this?

It's not great by any means, but it's a pretty good movie that didn't leave me filled with regret for investing time in it.

All of these films share one commonality, that being a kind of emotional center that humanizes a cast of monsters.

Like most of the above reviewers say, this movie is a good film for a laugh and plenty of outrageous behaviour from the protagonist, Lynda. A terrific reproduction of 50s Britain - right down to the dressing gown patterns and minor consumer products. But what is it she really wants and what does she learn from her foolish behaviour? 'Nothing' seems to be the answer. And this 'nothing' seems to be the major theme. It is a film about folly.In many ways Lynda's path is boringly predictable: She has no understanding of the man who manipulates her, nor of the future consequences of her rudeness and impulsive behaviour. One wonders what amount of social realism is represented here for an unmarried mother of the period. Poorly paid jobs, lack of support, a low income to further disable somebody with little patience and understanding of the situation she has largely created for herself. A fun attitude, temporary prettiness and her fast-disappearing youth will not go that far.

Lynda Mansell (Emily Lloyd) is a brash rebellious teenager in a staid post-war English seaside town. She is crude, flirtatious and loves to insult with "Up your bum". She has wild mood swings and constantly gets fired from her jobs. She gets sent to a psychiatrist. She has flings. Her father's bookie pushes his way into her life and she joins in an affair that results in a pregnancy.Emily Lloyd is fantastic. As a drama, the movie needs more tension. She could be challenged by a wife. Or else, she has to have something that could be lost by her behavior. None of the guys are worth a dime. By the movie's own account, it's inevitable that she would separate from her father. If there are no stakes, there is no danger. As a comedy, it has one extremely funny sequence. It's hilarious when she gets fired. The movie needs a few more comedic sequences like that. She needs a partner to play the comedy off of. Emily Lloyd is great but she's alone too much.

Were that prancing with a pram in public was all it took to raising a child. Talk about a movie sending the wrong message! There's been stories like this before. Check out She's Been Away (1989) with Dame Peggy Ashcroft.This little girl here didn't see her problems solved with having a baby and causing everyone to wonder who the father might be, as tho that casts the blame upon them and leaves her completely innocent.This is the mindset of Maury Povich trying to find out the father is of those babies. "You are NOT the father!" Here's this girl.Even still, that kid grows up, and either she's going to have to pay for a baby-sitter or she's going on aid, or she's relying on someone.She isn't doing it all on her prancing own, walking in front of everyone with the pram.How long before that gets old? This movie was older.Just another film trying to be original on an idea that's older than dirt.

Excellent acting - particular by Emily Lloyd and Tom Bell. Clearly Emily Lloyd deserves all the accolades she got for this role. Tom Bell always gives a performance to remember. If you love English movies this is one you don't want to miss. Terrific story line (poignantly funny) and excellent direction. Wish You Were Here is one to see over and over again...which I have done! The Brits know how to make this kind of movie using "real" people not plastic "too pretty" Hollywood types. The story line depicts a generation's morals in a way that generates sympathy for all the characters. Choice of locale, scenery, staging of scenes and clothing worn will stir memories of the time when this story was laid. The scene in the Tea Room between Emily Lloyd and her father is priceless!