The Buttercup Chain (1970) tackles the subjects of sex, rebellion and changing attitudes in the late 60s. Four former schoolmates reunite to travel together through Europe. It's a matter of who likes whom and who sleeps with whom that drives the plot. The DVD is part of Sony Pictures Home Entertainment's third round of Martini Movies. The cast of The Buttercup Chain includes Jane Asher, Leigh Taylor Young, Hywel Bennett and Sven-Bertil Taube.

France (Bennett) and Margaret (Asher) are cousins born to two sisters and become very close playing together as children. When Margaret heads away for school, France is devastated. He follows her to the train, placing his hand over hers through the train window. This scene takes place in a flashback, and then transitions to the present when she returns to London.

After several years apart; the two are still seriously attracted to each other. Afraid of the consequences of their actions, France decides they both should get lovers. He introduces Margaret to Fred (Taube), an architectural student on break from Sweden. France takes up with Manny (Young), a flirtatious American gadabout who intrigues him. A summer getaway in Spain becomes a time of experimentation as they switch sexual partners and also a game of manipulation by France of the other three. Serious consequences come from carelessness and Manny ends up pregnant. So who is the real father and how does Manny react to the outcome of his exploitation?

Although Sony has newly-restored and remastered the films in this set which also includes: Model Shop (1969), The Pursuit of Happiness (1971), Summertree (1971), and Love and Pain and the Whole Damn Thing (1973), The Buttercup Chain still feels old and stale. Yet it's not enough of a classic or a great story to enthrall.

I think my problem was with the acting. Hywel Bennett (The Virgin Soldiers, 1969) is creepy the way he stares at Margaret and encourages their feelings for each other by staying together but has no problem finding her someone else to sleep with. It's almost like he's a pimp.

Asher (Death at a Funeral, 1970) shows no real acting chops in the film and feels like she's playing a role. Young (Picket Fences, 1992) is somewhat animated in her performance and adds a lively spirit to what had been a quite somber story before her appearance.

I found Sven-Bertil Taube (The Eagle Has Landed, 1976) to be the most watchable throughout the film. As Fred he was spot on as a care free come-what-may lad on vacation; but he turns up the emotion when the kids have to deal with what happens during their summer in Spain. Unfortunately, he's made and continues to make more films in his native country of Sweden than the U.S.

I wouldn't call The Buttercup Chain a terrific movie but for anyone wanting to relive the carefree lifestyle of 60s and 70s, this movie will do the trick.

Special Features

Original Theatrical Trailer

Director: Anthony Newley

Writers: Peter Draper - screenplay; Janice Elliott - novel

Cast: Jane Asher, Leigh Taylor Young, Hywel Bennett and Sven-Bertil Taube

Run Time: 95 minutes

Rating: R

Classic Movie Guide Rating: 1.5 our of 5 stars

DVD Release Date:   10/08/2009

Studio: Columbia Pictures

Format: Color full screen    

Photo credits: Columbia Pictures