French Dressing (1964)

The 1960s British seaside comedy isn't a genre that I've any real interest in, but French Dressing is Ken Russell's début feature, so I gave it a chance. It's not as terrible as I feared, which is to say it does at least deserve to raise a blip on a Russell fan's radar. Why? Because its eventful plot deals with sex, cinema, and has a horde of leering men to poke fun at. The mix of Britishness and seediness is something that the director's playful side was likely sympathetic to, but, unfortunately, it all goes a bit Benny Hill at times.
Actress Alita Naughton (Judy) gives her scenes a definite sparkle; I was surprised to learn that she didn't keep acting for long afterwards.

2½ inflatable ladies out of 5