Nuts in May
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Nuts in May (aka Play for Today: Nuts in May) is a 1976 television film written and directed by Mike Leigh, originally broadcast as part of the BBC's Play for Today series. It is the comical story of a nature-loving and rather self-righteous couple's exhausting battle to enjoy what they perceive to be the idyllic camping holiday. Misunderstandings, awkward clashes of values and, inevitably, explosive conflicts are the uncomfortable scenarios that occur when more open-minded and fun-loving guests pitch their tents nearby.
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[edit] Plot summary
The main couple, childlike Candice Marie and neurotic Keith, arrive at the campsite and pitch their tent in a quiet spot suitable for appreciating nature's wonders while keeping other human beings safely at arm's length. Their usual routine (which includes performing their own guitar-banjo compositions, preparing healthy vegetarian dinners and following the Country Code) is rudely interrupted by Ray, a lone student who camps down nearby and unwittingly commits an unforgivable crime when he switches on his radio. The relationship becomes increasingly tense and tempers flare when Keith notices Candice Marie exhibiting an unseemly interest in Ray's well-being. Ever-so-patient Ray is forced to participate in the sing-song from hell at Keith's behest, but just as some kind of order seems to have been restored Brummie couple Finger and Honky arrive on their motorbike, equipped with an army tent, a football and a fondness for late-night drunken hanky-panky. Worst of all, they get on swimmingly with Ray; needless to say, Keith is tested to the limit.
| “ | This is a tent. I am in a tent. The walls of a tent are thin. I can hear everything you're saying, now BE QUIET! | ” |
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— Keith Pratt in an altercation with Finger and Honky.
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[edit] Themes
In keeping with Leigh's other films, Nuts in May serves as a commentary on many of the daily issues faced by normal people, in this case with particular emphasis on neighbour relations. Keith may have the full weight of the law on his side when he reprimands the other campers for their thoughtless, and sometimes reckless, behaviour, but he lacks the compassion, communication skills and understanding of human nature required to have them willingly acknowledge their mistakes. And while Keith's blood boils with almost every human contact (his irritation invariably heightened by the relentless nagging of his infantile wife) others take it all in their stride. 'Better than being at home, innit', utters Finger to Honky after one particularly fierce bust up that leaves Keith incandescent. This is a comment that particularly resonates since Finger, a plasterer, has already confessed to Ray that, due to the shortage of new housing, there is little work available. It says a lot that the couple only actually find peace when they pitch their tent in a farmer's field, away from other people. It is also interesting to note the parent-child style relationship between Keith and Candice Marie, who appear not to have any form of sexual relationship at all. Candice Marie - who tellingly works in a toy shop - often takes on the role of the innocent child, one who needs looking after and who is constantly confused and intrigued by her surroundings. Likewise, Keith assumes a paternal role, planning out the couple's trip with almost militaristic precision.
[edit] Cast (alphabetical)
- Eric Allan as Quarryman
- Stephen Bill as Finger
- Richenda Carey as Miss Beale
- Matthew Guinness as Farmer
- Richard Ireson as Policeman
- Sheila Kelley as Honky
- Anthony O'Donnell as Ray
- Roger Sloman as Keith
- Alison Steadman as Candice Marie
- Sally Watts as Farm-Girl
[edit] Locations
The film is set, and was filmed in its entirety, in the geologically and historically rich Isle of Purbeck area of Dorset in South West England. The characters visit a number of significant points of interest including Corfe Castle, Stair Hole, Kimmeridge, Lulworth Cove and the Jurassic Coast, a World Heritage Site. The camp site used for filming was Woodland Camping Park, just outside Corfe Castle and is still used as a camp site today.
[edit] Cult status
Nuts in May was ranked 49th in the British Film Institute's list of the 100 Greatest British Television Programmes. Despite being one of Mike Leigh's lesser known films, Nuts in May is highly regarded and often quoted, and as such it could be said to have achieved cult status. Vic Reeves and Bob Mortimer chose the film to end At Home with Vic and Bob (1993), which was an evening of programmes scheduled by the duo.[1]
[edit] External links
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