The Hippopotamus (2017)

We’re mostly watching Allam scowling at the eccentrics passing through his eyeline – but it’s still a pleasure, and often a joy, to watch the star measuring out and savouring Fry’s rich wordplay like fingers of scotch.

An old-fashioned romp through the eccentricities of the upper classes, it’s a fun mystery with a nicely filthy mind.

Despite a wonderfully witty voiceover and the bullish playing of a willing ensemble, this bawdy romp consistently stumbles over its more contrived excesses.

All in all, a most unlikeable film.