Stop the World, I Want to Get Off

Director: Philip Saville Philip Saville

Overview

In this filmization of the London and Broadway musical hit, Anthony Newley stars as Littlechap, whose allegorical rise to success is countered by the instability of his private life. Like the play, the film is staged impressionistically, with Newley periodically stopping the action to address the audience.

Product Details

Release Date:	07/26/2016
UPC:	0888574417031
Original Release:	1966
Rating:	NR
Source:	Warner Archives
Presentation:	[B&W, Wide Screen]
Sound:	[Dolby Digital Stereo]
Language:	English
Time:	1:38:00

Cast & Crew

Performance Credits

Tony Tanner	Littlechap
Millicent Martin	Ginnie
Leila Croft	Jane
Neil Hawley	Little Littlechap
Graham Lyons	Fatherin-Law
Georgina Allen	Performer
Carlotta Barrow	Actor
Sandra Burville	Actor
Vivyen Dunbar	Actor
Margaret Frost	Actor
Liz Gold	Actor
Marion Horton	Actor
Kay Korda	Actor
Judith McGilligan	Actor
Julie Pitcher	Actor
Heather Simms	Actor
Ann Holloway	Actor
Pamela Hart	Actor

Technical Credits

Alan Bergman

David Donalbe

Leslie Bricusse

Anthony Newley

Philip Saville	Director
Alan Bergman	Screenwriter,Screenwriter
David Donalbe	Screenwriter
Bill Sargent	Producer
Leslie Bricusse	Screenwriter
Anthony Newley	Screenwriter

Editorial Reviews

Some material from non-cinematic media presents unique problems when attempting to transfer it to the screen. Such is the case with Stop the World, I Want to Get Off, a smash-hit Broadway and London musical that is severely stagebound. Indeed, part of its conceit is that "the world is a stage" (or more accurately, it seems, a circus), and the piece is filled with moments that are extremely theatrical -- such as when the lead character periodically yells, "Stop the world!" and then proceeds to deliver a monologue directly to the audience. Philip Saville's solution to these challenges was to film the movie as a stage play, complete with shots of the orchestra leader and the conductor. (His concept for the show-halting monologues was to film them in black-and-white, while the rest of the film is in color.) The material, though terribly dated and occasionally arch, calls for a more imaginative treatment; as a result, much of the film is on the flat side. However, most viewers will put up with the staginess to enjoy the immensely popular score. Tony Tanner does very well with the difficult leading role, and Millicent Martin displays admirable versatility in her multiple parts. Creators Anthony Newley and Leslie Bricusse would later write the songs for Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory.