The hilarious 1997 three-episode British mini-series "Ain't Misbehabvin'," which BFS Entertainment has released on DVD, has more than one could hope for from a buddy comedy. This one goes further by providing catchy big band music and a well-done World War II setting that is reminiscent of the uber-awesome long-running classic Britcom "Goodnight Sweetheart."
The well-executed sparring buddies element adds a nice touch of "randall and hopkirk."
"Ain't," which is set in 1940, opens with RAF pilot Eddie Wallis moving from Scotland to London; his running into draft dodger (but very talented singer) Eric Trapp triggers events that result in the two making beautiful music together in a band but achieving less harmony as reluctant friends/roommates.
The following clip, courtesy of YouTube, AIN'T from "Ain't" but is of stars Robson Green and Jerome Flynn in a performance under the singing duo Robson and Jerome that they formed. It shows both their chemistry and their overall enjoyment of each other.
Flynn of "Ripper Street" and "Game of Thrones" does a great job portraying Wallis as a heroic boy scout who must learn to adapt to his new reality. Green of numerous British series does even better as the charming Eric who always seems to be just one step ahead of a jealous husband, a landlady to whom he owes back rent, the local gangster, etc.
Said gangster plays a major role regarding the hilarity in which our heroes become ensnared. His name is Maxie Morrell, and he happily is spending his days engaged in black market operations until a bigger dog informs him that he is taking over Maxie's operation.
The response of Max involves duping Eric into obtaining incriminating information on the interloper. Anyone who has ever seen a buddy comedy knows that that soon leads to Eric bringing Eddie into the fray.
Subplots include a couple of air raids and Eddie falling in love with a woman, wonderfully played by Julia Sawalha of "Absolutely Fabulous" and "Jonathnn Creek,"who is in tolerate with another man.
Highlights of the series include Eric belting out a song in the first episode, the pair crashing a party for RAF officers, and Eric doing his best Sam Spade impression while reading a hilariously titled novel.
All of this amounts to "Ain't" being a great choice for anyone who misses good old-fashioned buddy films.
Anyone with questions or comments regarding "Ain't" is welcome to email me. You can also connect on Twitter via @tvdvdguy.
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