Hammersmith is Out (1972)

40% of critics liked it
(5 reviews)
80% want to see it
(10 ratings)

Loosely based on the Faust legend, Hammersmith is Out stars Richard Burton as the title character, a mental patient confined to the sanitarium owned by a loony doctor (Peter Ustinov, who also directed). Befriending a lackadaisical orderly named Billy Breedlove (Beau Bridges), the satanic Hammersmith… More Loosely based on the Faust legend, Hammersmith is Out stars Richard Burton as the title character, a mental patient confined to the sanitarium owned by a loony doctor (Peter Ustinov, who also directed). Befriending a lackadaisical orderly named Billy Breedlove (Beau Bridges), the satanic Hammersmith offers Billy untold wealth and power if he'll help him escape. Once on the outside, Hammersmith keeps his promises to Billy, with the help of slovenly hash-slinger Jimmie Jean Jackson (Elizabeth Taylor). When time comes to pay the piper, however, Hammersmith and Jimmie Jean conspire to leave Billy hanging out to dry. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

Rating, Runtime: R, 1 hr. 48 min.
Directed By: Peter Ustinov
Genres: Comedy

Critic Reviews

Variety Staff, Variety
What is, apparently, an exercise in spoofery on the part of Elizabeth Taylor, Richard Burton and the even more energetic Peter Ustinov, starts as a variation on the Faust legend but almost immediately turns into a belabored antic.
Vincent Canby, New York Times
Both Bridges and Miss Taylor display a certain vulgar, ratty charm that is often funny.
Roger Ebert, Chicago Sun-Times
Hammersmith is Out is one of the year's best comedies. It is also, while it's at it, one of the year's best satires, but it doesn't lay the satire on very heavily.
, TV Guide's Movie Guide
Inept Taylor-Burton vehicle is one more variation on the Faust legend, with Burton as a lunatic consigned to Ustinov's asylum.
Phil Hall, Film Threat
Simply atrocious -- one of the very worst films ever made.