P'tang Yang Kipperbang DVD, 1982

This enchanting TV film from the early days of Channel 4 (it was shown on the station’s second night of broadcasting in November 1982) is a brilliantly observed evocation of ‘first love’ during the dour but hopeful days following World War II. John Albasiny is wonderful as awkward 14-year-old schoolboy Alan Duckworth, bumbling his way through gym sessions and maths lessons with only his twin obsessions to keep him going: getting the chance to open for England in the test match and planting a proper kiss on the lips of Ann (Abigail Cruttenden), the prettiest schoolgirl in his year. When Alan is cast in the school play alongside Ann and required to kiss her in the final scene, it seems as though his dreams are coming true. Expertly directed by Apted from one of Jack Rosenthal’s breeziest scripts, P’Tang Yang Kipperbang (the title refers to a nonsense greeting Alan and his chums give each other) would doubtless be regarded as a minor classic if it had been theatrically released. Only Gregory’s Girl has come as close to capturing the comic and bittersweet nature of teenage sexual frustration.

Julian Upton on 5th September 2007
View all 133 of Julian Upton's reviews