The Classic Film Series

The Classic Film Series highlights movies from the past, forgotten, overlooked and cherished alike, selected for their influence, relevance and worth. Following on from the controversial success of If...., director Lindsay Anderson, writer David Sherwin and actor Malcolm McDowell teamed up again in 1973 for O Lucky Man! Epic, savage, sharp, wicked, satirical, and funny, O Lucky Man! wasn't quite as appreciated in its day as it perhaps should have been. Swiping at everything the nation had to offer, O Lucky Man! was damned as anarchic and arrogant, and met with a lukewarm reception. At almost 3 hours long and artier than most other films of the time, Warner Bros. didn't know what to do with it. Nearly 40 years on O Lucky Man! has a cult following and is seen by many as one of the finest British films of its day. Writer Chris Wade takes a look at this extraordinary film, through exclusive material from the Lindsay Anderson archive, interviews, cast recollections and press cuttings from the day.