The Bawdy Adventures of Tom Jones [1976] [DVD]

Predictably, the success of Tony Richardson's film Tom Jones (1963), led to other Fielding adaptations including the same director's lamentable Joseph Andrews (1977). This film was inspired, if that's not too kind a word, by a stage musical. Desperation must have set in early, adding hopeful temptation to audiences with promises of Tom's bawdy behaviour. Only three songs intrude on the lacklustre events depicting his life and loves.

Nicky Henson, as the rascally hero, heads a memorable cast who sink without trace in Cliff Owen's last work as a director, following a career mainly devoted to comedies and television spin-offs.