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Comedy Cult Classic

Aspiring filmmakers, a bawdy poem, and a producer with more promises than cash.

ESKIMO NELL

1975 · 1h 25m · NR · Comedy · IMDB TMDB

After a seedy executive runs off with their funds, three filmmakers have to produce their picture in multiple versions to keep their backers happy.

Quick Answer

What is Eskimo Nell about?

Eskimo Nell is a 1975 British comedy film directed by Martin Campbell about three hapless filmmakers roped into producing a movie based on a risqué 19th-century poem, only to find themselves in over their heads when their producer vanishes with the funds.

Programmer's Pick

A slapstick, satirical romp through the seedy world of British sex comedies, Eskimo Nell revels in lampooning both the film industry and literary adaptations. With a parade of literary references and a producer who’s equal parts schemer and showman, this is a bawdy send-up for lovers of cheeky, farcical humor.

— SassyFlix Programmer

Overview

Fresh out of film school and facing rejection from Soho’s established studios, Denis Morrison’s fortunes change when he crosses paths with Benny U. Murdoch, the eccentric proprietor of BUM Pictures. Benny is determined to make a film adaptation of the notorious and ribald 'Ballad of Eskimo Nell,' casting his current girlfriend as the lead. With Denis and his writer friend Harris in tow, the team embarks on a chaotic quest to secure funding for this audacious project. But as the industry newcomers quickly discover, Benny’s fundraising methods are less than conventional, setting the stage for a farcical journey through the underbelly of British independent filmmaking.

Details & Specs

Director
Martin Campbell
Writers
Michael Armstrong, Stanley A. Long
Release
1975
Runtime
1h 25m
Country
United Kingdom
Language
English
Genres
Comedy

Why This Matters

Produced by sexploitation veteran Stanley Long and directed by Martin Campbell, this metafictional satire draws on Long's personal experiences in the British film industry, featuring characters based on real figures and serving as his 'definitive statement about the sex films' of the era.
— SassyFlix Curator

Cast & Crew

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Director: Martin Campbell Writers: Michael Armstrong +1 more

Explore More

Why Cult

Bawdy Literary Adaptation

The film is based on the infamous 19th-century poem 'The Ballad of Eskimo Nell,' promising a raucous take on classic source material.

British Sex Comedy Satire

Sends up the British film industry and sex comedy genre, poking fun at everything from producers to prudish investors.

Slapstick Farce

Expect plenty of slapstick antics, farcical situations, and a parade of eccentric characters.

Film Industry Parody

A tongue-in-cheek look at aspiring filmmakers navigating the wild promises and pitfalls of independent production.

Scene Gallery

Questions from the Vault

When was Eskimo Nell released? +

Eskimo Nell was released in 1975.

Who directed Eskimo Nell? +

Eskimo Nell was directed by Martin Campbell.

How long is Eskimo Nell? +

Eskimo Nell has a runtime of 85 minutes.

What genre is Eskimo Nell? +

Eskimo Nell is a comedy.

Where can I watch Eskimo Nell? +

Eskimo Nell is available to stream on SassyFlix.

Trailers & Clips