It Helps to Be Mad

A series of comical graphics introduce this 1966 National Film Unit diversion, in a style animator Terry Gilliam would soon make famous via British comedy shows Do Not Adjust Your Set and Monty Python's Flying Circus. The film itself follows a reporter (Michael Woolf) on a jaunt with an international 'veteran car rally' through Southern Lakes scenery, trying to make sense of it all. As he says, "there don’t seem to be any rules to this vintage motoring business". Directed by John King, the playful film features a dubbed soundtrack, complete with sheep baas and car horn sound effects.

Whose idea was this? Camping with a tourist hotel just down the road? It's carrying this pioneer stuff a bit too far for my liking.

– Narrator Michael Woolf

Key Cast & Crew

Patrick Flynn

Composer

Michael Woolf

Presenter, Narrator

John King

Director, Writer

Oxley Hughan

Producer

Geoffrey Scott

Producer

Ken White

Camera