A ripping good time

If you can't read the wonderful Henry Fielding novel upon which it is based, by all means, treat yourself to this delightful romp of a movie.

Albert Finney was at his most appealing ever in the role of Tom Jones, the foundling boy who grows up to surprise just about everyone including himself. Finney possesses just the right balance of innocence and roguish sensuality, and his fetching smile serves him admirably here. He is ably abetted by a wonderful cast of character actors, most notably Hugh Griffith as the rough-and-tumble neighbor and the succulent Joyce Redmond, who together with Finney enjoys a notoriously sexy supper in one of the film's best scenes.

Young Tom is a virtuous lad who is occasionally distracted by irresistable carnal temptations. The earthiness of the place and people gives this movie real vitality, and nicely balances the nearly-incredible turns of plot which variously place Tom in good and bad predicaments. The mix is seasoned with humor and a sparkling, harpsichord-laden soundtrack that enhances the atmosphere and helps whip the plot smartly along. The music is so good, in fact, that together with the narrator it nearly serves as an additional character.

The plotting here gallops along at a brisk pace, and requires the viewer to pay close attention lest they miss any tasty details. Story lines criss-cross and interweave in ways that create great hilarity and sexual tension, so that by the end of the film the viewer is left as breathless as a rider in a foxhunt.

This is a hearty stew of a tale, meaty with humanity and humor, seasoned with wit and played with savor. One has the feeling that all concerned had a wonderful time with this project, and even after nearly forty years it still plays as fresh, tasty and satisfying as a picnic in the English countryside.