Alvin Rides Again

Producers Roadshow Films wanted to capitalize on the surprise commercial success of Alvin Purple, the improbable pantsman, and this sequel worked for them... to an extent. Not only does it suffer from the usual problems of sequels, the loss of novelty value, its second half is a piecemeal affair replete with gun-toting dwarves, tin-pot car chase stunts and gauzy romantic fillers as Alvin has to imitate his deceased double, 'Balls' McGee. There is one beautifully absurd moment, however, with McGee (pre-deceased) and his henchmen singing the theme to Skippy The Bush Kangaroo and Aussie stage legend, Frank Thring, is magnificent as an imperious crime lord. Ah, don't you miss the 70s? Well, not really and Alvin Rides Again is good evidence why not.

 

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