A millionaire's slacker son, a scheming father, and a lineup of British comic royalty collide in this offbeat social satire.
THE CHERRY PICKER
To the disappointment of his father, an ambassador’s son would rather live a life free from responsibility and work.
The Cherry Picker is a 1974 United Kingdom comedy-drama film directed by Peter Curran about a millionaire's son who shuns responsibility, only to be manipulated into the working world by a hired woman who ultimately falls for him.
Synopsis
But while doing so Nancy falls for James and they get married. The marriage is quickly on the rocks, though, due to the couple's very different attitudes to life, and James embarks on a series of affairs with, among others, his father's mistress Maureen (Fiona Curzon) who becomes his surrogate wife, Lulu's character having vanished from the film by that stage. A new-look Lulu returns at the end to take James back and renew her efforts to get him to adopt the life of duty and responsibility his father -- and she -- wanted for him.
Why Cult
The film boasts appearances from icons like Spike Milligan, Terry-Thomas, and Wilfrid Hyde-White, all turning in eccentric performances.
The story lampoons generational divides, privilege, and the British class system through its slacker hero and scheming father.
Pop star Lulu leads as Nancy, whose assignment to lure James into responsibility takes several unexpected turns.
Expect a marriage on the rocks as very different worldviews collide between James and Nancy, sparking comic tension.
Themes & Keywords
Questions from the Vault
What is The Cherry Picker about? +
The Cherry Picker follows James Burn III, a millionaire's son who avoids responsibility until his father hires Nancy to lure him into the real world, leading to romantic and comedic complications.
When was The Cherry Picker released? +
The Cherry Picker was released in 1974.
Who directed The Cherry Picker? +
The Cherry Picker was directed by Peter Curran.
How long is The Cherry Picker? +
The Cherry Picker has a runtime of 92 minutes.
What genre is The Cherry Picker? +
The Cherry Picker is a comedy-drama.
