Celebrating The Full Monty as it turns 25 years old

Virgin Radio

16 Aug 2022, 13:22

Classic British comedy The Full Monty was released a quarter-of-a-century ago. Yes, in news that will make us all feel old, the film hit UK cinema screens on 29th August 1997. 

Directed by Peter Cattaneo, and starring Robert Carlyle, the film is set in Sheffield during the 1990s, and tells the story of six unemployed, down-on-their-luck men who, in desperate need of cash, make the surprising decision to form a male striptease act.

Main character Gaz (Carlyle), tells his pals (played by Mark Addy, Steve Huison, Tom Wilkinson, Paul Barber and Hugo Speer) that their dance group will be better than the Chippendales because their USP will be that they strip fully naked. Hence the film’s title.  

The screenplay was written by Simon Beaufoy, and also features William Snape as Gaz’s young son Nathan. Lesley Sharp, Emily Woof, and Deirdre Costello star as well.

The comedy contains some iconic moments. For instance, when Donna Summer’s banger, Hot Stuff, starts playing as the lads stand in a queue at the job centre, they start to practise their routine, almost through muscle memory. They display their moves very subtly at first. Then less so.

Then, of course, there is the classic final dance scene, where, after many ups and downs, the gang (spoiler alert) joyfully complete their routine to a rapturous reception. And yes, the actors did apparently go The Full Monty when filming the scene!

Whilst being hilarious, The Full Monty also deals with some heavy subjects as well. Unemployment, fathers' rights, homosexuality, and suicide are all touched upon, as is body image. In one of the most touching moments in the film, one of the lads, Dave (Mark Addy), decides he can’t go through with the dance. He says to his partner Jean (Lesley Sharp), “Jeanie, who wants to see this dance?” she responds, "Me, Dave. I do."

Safe to say that, with its mix of laugh-out-loud comedy and emotive themes, the movie touched a nerve with audiences. From a budget of only $3.5 million, it grossed over $250 million, and was the highest-grossing film in the UK until Titanic came along.

Critically, it was a success as well. In 1999, it was ranked number 25 on the BFI Top 100 British films list. The film currently has a score of 96 percent on review aggregating site, Rotten Tomatoes, and it won the BAFTA Award and European Film Award for Best Film. 

It was also nominated for Academy Awards for Best Picture, Best Director, Best Original Screenplay and Best Original Musical or Comedy Score. It picked up an Oscar for the latter. 

The official soundtrack boasts some absolute belters. As well as Hot Stuff, the film features classics such as You Sexy Thing by Hot Chocolate, Tom Jones’ You Can Leave Your Hat On, Make Me Smile (Come Up and See Me) by Steve Harley & Cockney Rebel, We Are Family by Sister Sledge, and Irene Cara’s Flashdance... What a Feeling.  

And the exciting news for fans of the Full Monty is that the original line-up from the 1997 film are set to reprise their roles for a new limited series.

The show, which will air on Disney+, follows the original gang as they navigate the post-industrial city of Sheffield, and the issues surrounding healthcare, education and employment sectors. 

At this stage there is no scheduled release date for the TV series, so we’ll just have to go back and re-watch the classic movie while we wait for it!