PRUDENCE AND THE PILL (1968) — Richard Williams Animated Titles — FULL MOVIE - 4K Restored

Prudence and the Pill is a 1968 British comedy directed by Fielder Cook and Ronald Neame, produced by Kenneth Harper and Ronald J. Kahn. Adapted by Hugh Mills from his 1965 novel, the film stars Deborah Kerr and David Niven with Irina Demick, Robert Coote, Joyce Redman, Judy Geeson, and David Dundas. Distributed by Twentieth Century-Fox.

PLOT:
A light-hearted farce set in an affluent London household follows romantic misunderstandings after contraceptive pills are secretly substituted with aspirin, triggering unintended pregnancies, breakups and reconciliations while examining shifting 1960s attitudes toward marriage and birth control.

CAST:
• Deborah Kerr as Prudence Hardcastle • David Niven as Gerald Hardcastle • Irina Demick as Elizabeth Brett • David Dundas as Tony Bates

TITLE SEQUENCE AND ANIMATION
The opening titles were designed by Richard Williams's studio and animated by Errol Le Cain. The sequence—featuring playful semi-Victorian graphics and witty choreography of Cupid battling contraceptive pills—is considered one of the film's outstanding achievements. Critics regard it as emblematic of Williams's ability to fuse classical draftsmanship with modern graphic design. Sadly, today's films rarely feature such unique hand-crafted title sequences, and many of Richard Williams' titles still stand out as pure motion picture masterpieces and essential references for younger filmmakers.

PRODUCTION AND RELEASE
Released by Twentieth Century-Fox in 1968, the film earned approximately $4.5 million in US/Canada rentals against its $3.57 million budget. Reviews were mixed—praising the cast and title design while criticizing pacing.

DISTRIBUTION AND RECEPTION
Despite its notable cast, the film's distribution was uneven. It retained niche appreciation in European markets (particularly Italy and Russia) and among British cinema collectors. The movie remains relatively unknown even among UK film students, though it's elegantly made with beautiful cinematography and an engaging storyline addressing subjects still relevant today—told in ways difficult to replicate under contemporary standards.

ACTOR BIOGRAPHIES
Deborah Kerr (1921–2007) — Scottish actress with multiple Academy Award nominations; starred in From Here to Eternity, Black Narcissus, The King and I.

David Niven (1910–1983) — English actor noted for his urbane, gentlemanly screen persona and award-winning career.

Irina Demick (1936–2004) — French actress of Russian extraction known for her classical beauty and sweet continental accent, often compared to Sophia Loren.

David Dundas (born 1945) — British musician and actor who appears as Tony Bates. Later achieved international success with his 1976 hit "Jeans On" (No. 3 UK, No. 17 US, No. 1 Germany), originally a Brutus Jeans television jingle.

RICHARD WILLIAMS AND THE TITLE SEQUENCE
Richard Williams (March 19, 1933 – August 16, 2019) designed the title sequence; the animation by his studio (with Errol Le Cain) is widely regarded as an absolute masterpiece of hand-drawn title animation—playful, inventive, perfectly matched to the film's satirical tone, and a standout example of pre-digital title craft.

RESTORATION NOTICE
This presentation has been restored to the highest available quality in memory of my mentor Richard Williams (1933–2019). The film's copyright history is complex. This upload is offered only for historical preservation and educational purposes, particularly to showcase the masterful title animation created by Richard Williams Animation Studios in London.

COPYRIGHT AND RESTORATION DISCLAIMER
This presentation of Prudence and the Pill has been restored to the highest available quality in memory of my mentor Richard Williams (1933–2019), who created the film's title sequence. The film's copyright and distribution history has undergone a complex journey. This upload is presented solely for historical preservation and educational purposes, particularly to showcase and study the masterful animated title sequence created by Richard Williams Animation Studios in London.

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