Travels With My Aunt [1972] [DVD]

This adaptation of Graham Greene's novel had a lot going for it, an Oscar-nominated turn from Maggie Smith, strong support from the likes of Alec McCowen and Robert Stephens, and direction from Hollywood veteran George Cukor. McCowen plays timid bank manager Henry Pulling, who meets his “aunt” (Smith) at his mother's cremation and is persuaded to accompany her on some freewheeling travels.

The previously inhibited Henry soon finds himself drawn into various bizarre adventures, involving ransom demands, smuggling, dope smoking and his aunt's string of exotic lovers. Smith overdoes the eccentricity a bit and the plot obviously strains credibility, but it's colourful fun and one of the lighter and more entertaining screen versions of Greene's work.