Mad Dogs and Englishmen

Aroview: Kenneth Branagh brings a rumpled, harassed charm to his role as a playwright whose career is interrupted by 'writer's block', a condition exacerbated by the neighbour's barking dog, a stalker and various family crises swirling around him.

Relieving his misery a little is a developing friendship with the neighbour's 8-year old daughter, though ultimately dir. Kalesniko wrings most success from the enduring cynicism of Branagh's acerbic character. Another quirky touch is the use of various Petulia Clark songs throughout the film.