The Chastity Belt (1972) User Reviews (15)

Amusing, somewhat entertaining. Not a must..

[psccrealock34 · 5/10 · 20 May 2007]

Forget about the trendy racist/sexist claims from bob the moo. Everyone and everything is stylized in the movie and it could just as easy be accused of being "kingist" "pigist" "jousterist" etc etc. There is nothing wrong with movie except that it lacks material and is a little boring. Howerd fans will enjoy seeing it. Others will have their curiosity satisfied. Some might find it right on the margin of being a waste of time. It is not as good as Up Pompeii.

The basic plot involves King Richard going off to the crusades, his brother John going to find him, and a servant who helps out the family budget with a chastity belt business, which comes in handy during the search for Richard.

Despite the title, the film would not have any trouble with the censors on the basis of sex or nudity.

Not wonderful but...

[andy-782 · 6/10 · 24 February 2005]

This is one of those films that suffers from a predictable script. The actors all do well with the material they have been given but it's not the best to start with. Having said that there are a lot worse films out there, many of which are hyped with the Hollywood millions films like the 'Up' films never saw. The highlight for me has to be Hugh Paddick as Robin Hood basically reprising his Julian M LeStrange character from the radio show Round the Horne ("Hello I'm Julian and this is my friend Sandy"). With Frankie Howerd starring in a film produced by Ned Sherrin it was only ever going to be a very camp comedy but the result, while not wonderful, is better than average.

Lurkalot The 1st

[ygwerin1 · 6/10 · 26 September 2020]

For me I enjoy spotting the comedy characters in this daft jaunt through history.

This movie is set in the historical period of King Richard the Lion Heart, so known for his leading the English army in the 'Crusades'. The Christian wars against the Islamic states in what was known as the Holy Land, in modern times Israel.

The star Frankie Howard had already appeared in a TV series and film, both entitled Up Pompeii set in Roman times. In that he played Lurcio, a slave to Roman Senator Ludicrous Sextus.

Here he has morphed into Lurkalot a serf, to the King Sir Coward de Custard.

The style and humour in this film is akin to that of Up Pompeii, for those who haven't seen that its very reminiscent of the Carry on Films.

What these movies share in common is that, the plot and story as such are superfluous. They really only serve as a link of sorts for the gags.

Don't titter, Madam!

[michaeljacobs · 3 September 2003]

This film is a vehicle for the comedic talents of Frankie Howerd, and if you like his style of humour, the plot is irrelevant. This is a curiously popular movie (it's almost always available on VHS or DVD) considering that there was no TV series to go with it. It was really an extension of Up Pompeii (many of the same people were involved), and feels like it (Lurcio Lurkalot). Frankie's less well-known "Up the Front" (set in WW1) is hardly ever shown or on tape to buy, and the TV show "Whoops, Bagdad" is all but forgotten (possibly with good reason).

Some of the jokes require a knowledge of the state of Britain in the early 1970s, and even if it isn't politically correct by modern standards, most of the audience will be laughing out of nostalgia rather than the freshness of the material, IMHO. When Howerd turns to camera and says "oh, you know this one, don't you", you know that they are going to do the classic open the door in front of the battering ram joke anyway, even though we're all expecting it by then. Many comedians couldn't have carried it off, but that was the age of "camp" comedy. Today, audiences aren't into "camp", which is why so many younger reviewers on this site fail to understand why these films were meant to be funny. (That's why the movie of "The Avengers" was such a horrible failure.)

It is very much a product of its period, but still worth watching today - if you know how to appreciate it.

Dull spin off

[no-skyline · 3/10 · 29 May 2007]

A dull spin off of Up Pompei is what we get here Howerd plays Lurk-a-Lot (Get it?) in his usual persona (titter ye not etc.) which would be fine if the jokes weren't so predictable (men charging door with battering ram door being opened, men crashing through window etc.) and plain not funny in places. Up Pompei always worked best as a half hour blast the spin off film failing to maintain the gag count through feature length. This film suffers from being the left overs of what wasn't a great idea for a film in the first place.

The usual cast from the other Up... films (Up Pompei and Up the Front) put in appearances in this as well as a guest roll from Eartha Kitt but none really stand out as that good. I'm a big fan of classic British comedy but this is far from classic, if your looking for Howerd at his best then you have to look to his original TV series or in film one of the two Carry On's in which he appeared Doctor and Up The Jungle (not to be confused with this series of films it was a Carry On where Howerd presumably replaced the unavailable Kenneth Williams in a rare film of the series in which he doesn't appear).

Of the three Up..... films this is the weakest, watch the original TV series of Up Pompei and avoid this spin off even the biggest Howerd fans will i think struggle with this 4/10

Woeful comedy just about works if you're in a forgiving mood

[Leofwine_draca · 4/10 · 3 March 2012]

This follow up to the filmed version of UP POMPEII sees the Frankie Howerd character (now named 'Lurkalot') transplanted to the medieval era, where he contends with chastity belts, scheming villains, the Crusades and a certain band of forest-dwelling Merry Men.

In other words, it's an excuse for more of the same, with Howerd making regular asides to the viewer and the comedy resembling a particularly smutty and diabolical entry in the CARRY ON series. The first thing that's noticeable is the paucity of the budget, which makes the film look even cheaper than the average episode of DOCTOR WHO and about on the same level as a school play.

The script is also shambolic, little more than a linked string of tired sketches that usually involve half-dressed women used as window dressing. Saying that, the cast is far better than you'd imagine, perhaps giving an inkling of the state of the British film industry during this era. Graham Crowden is delightful as the permanently sozzled Sir Coward de Custard, series regulars Lance Percival and Bill Fraser give it their best, and there are bit parts for Dave Prowse, Christopher Timothy, Frank Thornton, Sam Kydd and Roy Hudd. Watch out for a cameoing Eartha Kitt (on a sabbatical from Hollywood) and scene-stealing Hugh Paddick as the campest Robin Hood you ever will see.

Raises barely a titter

[vampire_hounddog · 2/10 · 21 September 2020]

In Mediaeval England, a serf called Lurkalot (Frankie Howerd) claims that he is the twin of Richard the Lionheart (also played by Howerd of course) who is off fighting in the Crusades. Leaving his job as a chastity belt seller Sir Coward de Custard (Graham Crowden) abroad in search of his brother while Coward de Custard is off to the Crusades.

A rather slap dash poor spin-off feature of the TV series 'Up Pompeii' and a follow-up to the 1971 film, it is a rather pantomime like comedy that is more crude and badly put together than saucy with few titters raised and an underused Howerd.

An enjoyable romp

[johngraham64 · 7/10 · 2 September 2007]

Frankie Howerd is the serf, Lurkalot, in this movie spin-off from the Up Pompeii TV series and the Up Pompeii film.

Taking exactly the same idea - servant to a stupid master/over-bosomed mistress, thick son and less-than-virginal daughter - this film pitches Frankie Howerd into the middle ages in England. He plays Lurkalot - and good King Richard too.

OK it's not the Up Pompeii TV series (which I loved) but for me it's a worthy successor the the Up Pompeii film (which didn't recreate the fun or laughs of the TV version).

Eartha Kitt pops up in impressive form for her cameo part. And Lurkalot actually gets the girl!!! Despite it's failings there is still plenty to enjoy here - the locksmith unable to open his own lock, let alone Anne Astons'! Lurkalot questioning the yokel. And his selling of Chastity Belts in the market....... 'Spare keys!!!!'

Graham Crowden has fun with the role - and the campest of camp Robin Hoods turns up with his merry 'men'!!! And then we meet Maid Marian.... well you can't blame him, can you?

Pour out something nice and settle down on a wet afternoon for a harmless laugh.

'Oh sod this for a lark - I'm off for a Crusade....'

70s rubbish

[robmec · 1/10 · 26 September 2020]

Embarrassing, childish 70's rubbish. It's so pathetic it's fascinating. Why was this film even made, what did the actors think about the script, why wasn't it abandoned after the first day's filming? Complete rubbish.

Fun medieval nonsense - NOT to be taken seriously!

[adaru · 8/10 · 23 November 2005]

Those who remember fondly Frankie Howerd's take on Roman society in 'Up Pompeii' will probably enjoy this bizarre comedy featuring, we presume, Lurkio's descendant, the serf Lurkalot (who does).

The plot is a little contrived, it must be said, and involves twin princes, separated at birth, finding themselves at opposite ends of the social spectrum: one a king, the other a peasant. There's something about the Holy Land, the Crusades and the key to the titular chastity belt - but really the plot is only an excuse for a relentless barrage of gags.

It could be said fairly that much of the content and certainly many of the jokes would probably not be considered appropriate if this film were being made today. But of course, it is important to remember that it is not being made today - it was made quite a long time ago, and attitudes were rather different then. As the title should suggest, much of the subject matter revolves around sex, although it is generally handled fairly innocently in comparison to modern movies, and those able to sit through any of the 'Carry On' films without taking offence should have no trouble with this. For example, the entertainingly camp portrayal of a certain green-clad, forest-dwelling folk hero is positively tame compared to many of the stereotypes and caricatures regularly presented on modern British TV.

In short, those who are able to endure such terrible political incorrectness will find Howerd in fine form, with a supporting cast all hamming it up good and proper in what is essentially a pantomime on film. Definitely worth a look, if you think you dare risk letting yourself laugh at it...

British comedy gem

[riggo-73503 · 10/10 · 28 April 2019]

Out of the 3 films... stunning

Script is ott and witty

Over acting at it's best with a super support cast

What does it for me is the strength of the roles - sir coward, saladin, ashvedelle are all stunning rolls

up the chastity belt

[tristanmorell · 10/10 · 25 March 2006]

I think this film is better than Frankie howerds first outing as Lurkio in "Up pompeii". as classic as that film was this one beats it in my opinion. It is rather slow in parts but with excellent character performances by Rita Webb and Hugh paddick and of course Frankie camping it up as Lurkalot ("because I do!") the film is saved as a British classic. lots of setbound filming gives it a special magical feel. This film was cut down from an amazing 3 hour original and Frankie himself wasn't happy with the end result but it has become a classic. Lurkalot, the medieval surf, tries to save his master in a series of funny events only to find out he is in fact the twin brother of King john himself of England (played by..you guessed it! Frankie!) Eartha Kitt makes a purrrfect appearance and the best scene is stolen by Hugh paddick as the campest robin Hood to grace our screens ever, but when Rita webb turns up as maid Marion ("your reputation has spread far and wide...and thats not the only thing by the look of it!") the laughs really begin (as they say) see it once at least its a corny classic!

Funnier sequel to the legendary Up Pompeii

[themarzipanfiend · 10/10 · 22 January 2001]

This film does not have as funny a theme song, but most of the jokes are funnier. Howerd plays Lurkalot, a serf, who bears a striking likeness to Richard the Lionheart, and goes off to fight in the crusades. Eartha Kitt puts in a performance as Scheherazade, and there is a surprise about the reality of the Crusades.

Hilarious!

[TomFarrell63 · 9/10 · 27 August 2022]

I love this film! Whilst 'Up Pompeii' was good, this is far better with more laughs and has the best Robin Hood ever committed to film!

The cast seem to be having a blast and this really comes across on screen. Frankie Howerd and the aforementioned Hugh Paddick in particular shine. A shame Hugh Paddick didn't do more films.

Some will say it looks cheaply made, but that doesn't bother me in the slightest, it's cheapness is outweighed by the laughs in offer.

One of the best British comedies of the 1970's and highly recommended to those who enjoy a good belly laugh, and I suppose aren't easily offended.

Far from Howerd's best and it's sexist, racist humour has dated very badly

[bob the moo · 11 January 2002]

The Queen of England gives birth to twins. In order to protect the blood line one is kept and the other hidden in a pig style and is raised to think it's mother is the pig. Lurkalot is the one raised by pigs who doesn't know his past. He makes a good living as a servant, selling chastity belts on the side. When his master's castle is lost to Sir Braggart de Bombast, Lurkalot must fight to protect his daughter, eventually travelling to the missions to bring back his master. On the mission he uncovers that his twin is Richard the Lionheart and he is of Royal stock and must bring them both back.

The story to this doesn't really matter as it is simply an excuse to hang a pile of crude jokes on. In fact most of the film seems to keep adding things just to keep the film going. The jokes are ok - but it relies on innuendo and crudity too much, whole scenes are devoted to jokes involving the Kama Sutra! I know that this is a film of it's time but there are far too many jokes that smack of not just sexism but also racist overtones.

Howerd is good here - he seems to enjoy the material a lot more than in the terrible Up the Front. True most of the jokes aren't funny but he does seem at ease with the material - but it's never anywhere near his best work. The rest of the cast is made up from the basement of British TV and have the horrible task of acting out this story as straightmen. The only other good role in the film is a cameo by a young Eartha Kitt - she is really sexy here and really beautiful, unfortunately she is only the catalyst for more dirty jokes.

Overall this is a disappointment - it's not as bad as some of his other films but it's a country mile from Howerd at his best. Quite good but not Howerd's best and it's humour has dated really badly.