Mrs Caldicot's Cabbage War (2003)

Save your money for something good and enjoyable

It's no definitive masterpiece but it's damn close.

Good films always raise compelling questions, whether the format is fiction or documentary fact.

Easily the biggest piece of Right wing non sense propaganda I ever saw.

Entertaining - as what might happen to us all in many ways. On the other hand the awful prospect of life in an institutional setting is horrible. There are many versions of State sanctioned deprivation of liberty - each designed to enhance community well-being that might be compromised by health, behaviour and stranger status. There many stories of abuse in each - to children, aged and ... The fact that she managed to lead an escape is entertaining and even encouraging as we approach 'that' age. But could we? Maybe we should do something before we get there. Just like Yes Minister. Government and public administration is occasionally hilarious. But shouldn't we do something about it? I loved it and have helped many friends work through it as entertainment and as a warning.

This film makes me laugh, cry and think every time I watch it. It portrays the 'shut them away' treatment of the elderly that exists in care homes and the profit culture that strips people of their dignity and humanity and creates a so called 'customer' who is walked over and mistreated. A wonderful, escapist story of overcoming the odds and good winning out in the end. I recommend this for anyone who enjoyed Collins in Shirley Valentine as it is another underdog story where you really root for the main character and share in their victory over the odds!Thoroughly recommend this little known film to anyone I know!

Pauline Collins, who shone so brightly in Shirley Valentine, fails to rescue this lamely scripted and poorly acted British comedy. The plot concerns Mrs Caldicot, a widow who is tricked out of her house and into a retirement home, where she is sedated and forced to sign over her property to her son.She soon realises that she and her fellow residents, who are also sedated to keep them quiet, are being treated unfairly and foments a rebellion against the home's smarmy manager.But this comedic take on One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest is mired in pantomime-quality acting and naive plotting in which old people are never disorientated or distressed, and journalists pay for scores of pensioners to be put up in a country house hotel.I have no idea what Vernon Coleman's novel was like, but it is unlikely that the set decorator who adapted it made many improvements.It made just £16,400 at the British box office. I would be surprised if most of those who parted with their money did not ask for it back.

Some of the scenes in this black comedy might appear a bit farcical but many of them come dangerously close to the truth. Young and old should see this film and then ask themselves whether this is the future they want to look forward to. While medical science has extended our life expectation, no one has successfully resolved the problem of how to look after our aging citizens in a compassionate and dignified manner.Mrs. Caldicot (Paukine Collins) of sound mind but tricked into joining the retirees in the Twilight Nursing Home after the death of her ever-demanding husband recognizes that life there is sheer hell and sets about re-organizing the establishment. While senior staff seem to thrive on sex and silver service, the old folk repeatedly get large servings of cabbage at mealtimes. And to stop them from complaining, they are all administered regular doses of sedatives.One of the funniest scenes in the film is when inventive Mrs. Caldicot puts matron out of action and with the help of other old folk prepare a sumptuous feast for all to enjoy with the accompaniment of the best red and white wines.On expulsion from the Nursing Home for misbehaviour she is unable to return to her own home because her selfish son has already sold it. There is only one thing to do. She puts up at a hotel with the other oldies and they spend up big with the added enjoyment of room service. It's a farcical situation but your heart goes out to them as they enjoy a few moments of happiness.When the media hears about the commotion at the Nursing Home Mrs Caldicot speaks her mind and becomes a much sought after TV personality. The latter half of the film amusingly shows us how TV interviewers can manipulate people and how investment companies can and do make profits from the plight of old people. There is much food for thought here.It's all very familiar and one comes to the conclusion that there should be a lot more Mrs. Caldicots willing to stand up and beat the system and to point us in the right direction.Mrs. Caldicot....we salute you!