Getting It Right

R

1989

1 hr. 42 min.

Comedy

List

71%

7 Reviews

Tomatometer

74%

250+ Ratings

Audience Score

Gavin Lamb (Jesse Birdsall) is a shy London hairdresser employed at a trendy West End salon. Though past the age of 30, Gavin still lives with his parents, a fact that has not helped him with the ladies. When the innocent Gavin somehow stumbles into three relationships, he must decide if he wants to be with the seasoned, wealthy Joan (Lynn Redgrave), the eccentric basement-dweller Lady Minerva (Helena Bonham Carter) or Jenny (Jane Horrocks), the junior hairdresser at his salon.

Read More

Read Less

RuRu D

I wish this movie would be released on on disc. I still have my original copy on VHS, because I love it so much. Jesse Birdsall, Helena Bonham Carter, Lynn Redgrave and Jane (Bubbles from AbFab) Horrocks were perfect in this film. I, especially, loved Helena Bonham Carter's character, "Lady Minerva Munday" and all of her unique and colorful idiosyncrasies, not to mention her cool sense of fashion.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

08/02/23

Full Review

Audience Member

is watching Lynn Redgrave channel David Bowie, and is embarrassed for everybody involved.

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

02/24/23

Full Review

Audience Member

Getting It Right doesn't strain itself, but it's a fun light comedy with some fun moments and performances. The description is a bit misleading, as Gavin (the main character) isn't really such a social recluse, and breaks out of his shell pretty early in the film. The film is hindered a bit by his ever-present narration, but as the film doesn't want to be much more than an enjoyable way to pass 100 minutes, it's not much of a bother. A fun little British comedy, and only on VHS!

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

02/22/23

Full Review

Audience Member

An avid fan of British films, I was very excited to see the cast list of Getting It Right, back in '89 when it was released. I didn't know who Jesse Birdsall was (but I have been a fan since) but I LOVED Judy Parfitt, John Gielgud, Peter Cook, Helena Bonham Carter, Pat Heywood and the great Lynn Redgrave. This would also be my introduction to Jane Horrocks. What I found when I saw the film was this quirky little comedy about some very real people with some idiosyncracic behavioural patterns. Each character is a delight to watch (except, perhaps, for Harry, the whiny best friend - ech; no wonder Winthrop left), especially the odd mother who makes curry that burns the roof off your mouth. This is one of Lynn Redgrave's most interesting characters and most compelling performances. For most of the movie she plays an eccentric and aloof millionairess who hides behind disguises; there are, though, a few scenes in which the pretense is dropped and she stands naked (literally) before Gavin and the audience and allows her vulnerability to show. It is a truly magnificent perforamnce, fully realized and totally beautiful. My favourite scene with her is the heart wrenching scene when she and Gavin say goodbye and she says "Don't worry about being loved. Worry about loving. It's far more important." Jesse Birdsall is a wonderful leading man, full of character and charm and good looks. It is impossible to not cheer for him. It is also impossible to not cheer for GETTING IT RIGHT.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

01/18/23

Full Review

Audience Member

it was the first time i saw helena do something outside of merchant ivory and that was it i knew she would be fantastic in anything and i would see them ALL

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

01/26/23

Full Review

Audience Member

This was such an amazing movie and I can't find it anywhere-netflix, blockbuster, nada! I just remember it was quirky and funny and really sweet.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

02/26/23

Full Review

Read all reviews

Post a rating

Randal Kleiser

Director

Jesse Birdsall

Gavin Lamb

Helena Bonham Carter

Lady Minerva Munday

Peter Cook

Mr. Adrian

Lynn Redgrave

Joan

Jane Horrocks

Jenny

Show Less Cast & Crew

Show More Cast & Crew

40%

78%

Whatever Happened to Harold Smith?

78%

39%

Echo Park

76%

86%

The Spanish Apartment

57%

73%

Keeping Mum

66%

69%

CQ

Discover more movies and TV shows.

View More

View more photos

Roger Ebert

Chicago Sun-Times

Getting It Right is a character film, not a plot film, and so the point is not what happens, but who it happens to. The screenplay is by Elizabeth Jane Howard, based on her novel, and it shows a novelist's instinct for character and dialogue.

Rated: 4/4

Jan 1, 2000

Full Review

Rene Jordan

El Nuevo Herald (Miami)

Like a bracelet of imitation Jewelry, yet shines when the actors play its tune well. [Full review in Spanish]

Jul 11, 2022

Full Review

Emanuel Levy

EmanuelLevy.Com

Rated: 2/5

Jul 16, 2005

Full Review

Jonathan R. Perry

Tyler Morning Telegraph (Texas)

Rated: 4/5

Jun 1, 2005

Full Review

Carol Cling

Las Vegas Review-Journal

Rated: 3/5

Aug 22, 2003

Full Review

Caffeinated Clint

Moviehole

Never had I thought like cutting up a video tape

Rated: 1/5

Sep 17, 2002

Full Review

Read all reviews

Synopsis

Gavin Lamb (Jesse Birdsall) is a shy London hairdresser employed at a trendy West End salon. Though past the age of 30, Gavin still lives with his parents, a fact that has not helped him with the ladies. When the innocent Gavin somehow stumbles into three relationships, he must decide if he wants to be with the seasoned, wealthy Joan (Lynn Redgrave), the eccentric basement-dweller Lady Minerva (Helena Bonham Carter) or Jenny (Jane Horrocks), the junior hairdresser at his salon.

Director: Randal Kleiser
Executive Producer: Rusty Lemorande
Screenwriter: Elizabeth Jane Howard
Production Co: Management Company Entertainment Group
Rating: R
Genre: Comedy
Original Language: English
Release Date (DVD): Dec 6, 2011
Box Office (Gross USA): $73.2K