Privates on Parade
“Malaysia, 1947. Some fought. Some danced.”
Synopsis
It is 1947, the year of the communist rebellion in Malaya and the British army's SADUSEA (Song And Dance Unit South East Asia) are called to the Malayan Jungle to entertain the troops. The eccentric, bible-bashing Major Giles Flack (John Cleese) is in command of the unit. Flack is accompanied by an ageing, theatrical drama queen, Terri Dennis (Denis Quilley) who hopes to entertain the troops with his flamboyant impressions, but the bored troops find other ways to enjoy themselves.
Top Cast
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John Cleese
Major Giles Flack
Denis Quilley
Acting Captain Terri Dennis
Michael Elphick
Sergeant Major Reg Drummond
Nicola Pagett
Acting Lieutenant Sylvia Morgan
Patrick Pearson
Sergeant Steven Flowers
John Standing
Captain Sholto Savory
David Bamber
Sergeant Charles Bishop
Bruce Payne
Flight Sergeant Kevin Cartwright
Joe Melia
Sergeant Len Bonny
Simon Jones
Sergeant Eric Young-Love
Neil Pearson
Pianist
Julian Sands
Climbing Sailor
John Quayle
Captain Henry Cox
Vincent Wong
Cheng
Brigitte Kahn
Mrs. Reg Drummond
Tim Barlow
Commanding Officer
Philip Tan
Lee
David Griffin
Infantry Soldier
Release History & Theatrical Window
April 13, 1984
Wide Cinema Exhibition
Key Information & Fast Facts
- Director
- Michael Blakemore
- Screenplay & Story
- Peter Nichols
- Original Score
- Denis King
- Original Title
- Privates on Parade
- Country of Origin
- United Kingdom
- Spoken Languages
- English
- Runtime
- 1h 53m
- Production Studios
- Handmade Films
Creative Leadership & Key Crew
Michael Blakemore
Peter Nichols
Denis King
Ian Wilson
Jim Clark
Simon Relph, George Harrison, Denis O'Brien
Department Leadership Roster
Michael Blakemore
Director
Luciana Arrighi
Production Design
Simon Relph
Producer
Peter Nichols
Screenplay
Jim Clark
Editor
Denis King
Original Music Composer
Ian Wilson
Director of Photography
Age Classification & Content Advisories
Official viewer rating standards and content warnings across international classification boards.
R: Restricted — Under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian.
International Certification Matrix
Suitable only for 15 years and over.
Restricted — Under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian.
Production Stills & Gallery
Official cinematic photography and background stills for Privates on Parade.
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Editorial lists, community rankings, and cinematic collections featuring Privates on Parade.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Privates on Parade
Quick factual answers about cast, synopsis, director, box office, and release information.
What is Privates on Parade about?
It is 1947, the year of the communist rebellion in Malaya and the British army's SADUSEA (Song And Dance Unit South East Asia) are called to the Malayan Jungle to entertain the troops. The eccentric, bible-bashing Major Giles Flack (John Cleese) is in command of the unit. Flack is accompanied by an ageing, theatrical drama queen, Terri Dennis (Denis Quilley) who hopes to entertain the troops with his flamboyant impressions, but the bored troops find other ways to enjoy themselves.
Who directed Privates on Parade?
Privates on Parade was directed by Michael Blakemore.
Who stars in Privates on Parade?
The principal cast of Privates on Parade includes John Cleese, Denis Quilley, Michael Elphick, Nicola Pagett, Patrick Pearson.
When was Privates on Parade released and how long is it?
Privates on Parade was released in 1983 with a total runtime of 1h 53m.
Who composed the musical score for Privates on Parade?
The original motion picture soundtrack for Privates on Parade was composed by Denis King.
What is the age rating and content advisory for Privates on Parade?
Privates on Parade holds official age classifications: GB: 15 (Suitable only for 15 years and over.); US: R (Restricted — Under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian.).