It must be explained that this is not a film adaptation of the stage play but a video of a live performance at the Old Vic in London. This makes for some slightly wobbly camera work and awkward cuts. Furthermore this is stage acting, rather than film acting for camera; consequently the actors seem to shout a lot, as they project to the back of the theatre. This said, it works well enough. The play is structured around Peter O'Toole's monologues, which allow the camera to remain on him in close-up for much of the performance. The presence of an audience lends the whole a festive atmosphere, tapping into the electricity of a live performance. The director's commentary explains that this was precisely the effect intended by O'Toole when the video was shot.

There is a quick cutaway to the audience during the 'cat racing' scene. The commentary says nothing but that is surely Mr Bernard himself in the dress circle, laughing at his old friend O'Toole pretending to be him.

It is difficult to describe Jeffrey Bernard to anybody who has not read his deeply self-effacing, sentimental and grossly politically incorrect essays. Suffice to say he spent much of his life and all of his limited cash drinking in two pubs in Soho and at the races, and left a trail of doomed marriages and relationships. Much of his humour derived from the complex mixture of fear, loathing, admiration and pity that womankind generated in him.

A good buy.

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6 of 6 people found the following review helpful

The funniest night I never spent in the theatre. 2 Feb 2006

By Graeme Stewart VINE™ VOICE

Format:DVD

I was introduced to Jeffrey Bernard by a friend who thought I shared his (Bernards') withering wit...... Fortunately,I don't share his taste for "Low Life",alcolol,or cigarettes. Or his pancreas,for that matter.

Watching Peter O'Toole live the life of Bernard on stage is a riveting,rollocking two hours of laughs,loves & pathos, as you witness the "Suicide notes in weekly instalments" that was his life. This is not a film of the play, but a filming of the play,performed at The Old Vic, though it transcends theatre,as Peter O'Toole Plays the part he was born to. (He even looks uncannily like Bernard!)

One would not neccessarily have wanted Bernard as a friend,& certainly not as a drinking partner, but to spend an evening in "his" presence with this DVD is a joy. It is one which bears repeated viewing. Pour your self a drink & relax in Bernards' company.... But Just the one, mind you....

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14 of 15 people found the following review helpful

The Institution of the literate British Fop lives on 25 April 2001

By Prospero77 VINE™ VOICE

Format:VHS Tape

There is something innate in English humour which sets on high the literate loser,the articulate under achiever and the rogish fop.In a tradition that would probably be headed by Falstaff, the Soho reveller Bernard is played to perfection by Peter O'Toole. A truly great performance from 1991. Somebody that is at home amid the drunks of race-circuit life, eccentrics in Soho, newspaper pals and assorted spirits both alcoholic and human. A masterful performance by O'Toole as he sits in the Coach & Horses revelling in Bernard's career and life's work. So often clever anecdotal humour appeals to a thin veneer of English society whilst excluding the many-but O'Toole's performance has everyman appeal. Extremely rich, capable of being watched over and over again, it belongs up there with Sir John's antics at The Boars Head, Quentin Crisp and the best of Alan Bennett.

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Most Recent Customer Reviews

"Jeffrey Bernard" is Brilliant!

I saw this play many times on-stage in London. It's a wonderful, funny play, wittily written and brilliantly acted by a strong ensemble cast, headed by Peter O'Toole at his best. Read more

Published 19 months ago by C. M. Crouch

Absolutely Brilliant & Needs a DVD re-release at a sensible price.

This is Peter O'Toole on stage at the top of his game. Very funny,touching,moving and and endless list of other emotions that make this performance shine. Read more

Published on 2 Mar 2010 by C. Drewett

One of the funniest things available on DVD

Perhaps the funniest thing I've ever seen. An amazing actor telling the hilarious tales of Jeffrey Bernard. Its just a shame that London isn't this much fun anymore.

Published on 15 Oct 2009 by Mr Fish

This simply is perfection.

A wonderful Play performed by a wonderful actor. Filmed well and from multiple angles. Perfection. I defy anyone to take their eyes off O'toole as he commands absolute attention... Read more

Published on 29 Jun 2009 by David A. Pilbeam

A true modern classic

You may have seen a shortened version of this on Beeb 2 last year.

This is a perfect combination of a talented cast and a wonderful script. Read more

Published on 19 Oct 2000 by Midpoint

The masterpiece

Actually: Watching this video makes me angry - very angry for being honest because it always shows me, how much we missed in the last years in which Peter O'Toole didn't got a... Read more

Published on 18 Oct 2000

OToole does the old soak great justice: miss it at your per

O'Toole, possessed of as charismatic a stage presence as any living British actor, brings much of his own turbulent life to the role of raconteur and drunk Bernard - Soho's... Read more

Published on 16 Aug 2000

One of the most enjoyable plays in the world

Jeffrey Bernard is Unwell is one of the best plays I have ever seen, the character's charisma, unashamed and heroic drinking should be an fine influence to all British men. Read more

Published on 6 Aug 2000

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