Based on the classic Henry Fielding novel Tom Jones, this film adaptation of the story comes hot from the pen or should that be quill, of actor and comedy writer Jeremy Lloyd, himself displaying a certain rakish charm in a brief appearance as Lord Fellamer.

A prestigious cast of epic proportions is led by the legendary Trevor Howard as Squire Western with William Mervyn  (Squire Alworthy), Nicky Henson  (Tom Jones), Terry-Thomas and Arthur Lowe (the tutors Mr Square and Dr Thwackum), Madeline Smith (the fair Sophia), Georgia Brown (Jenny Jones- a lady of easy virtue), Murray Melvin (the fopish Blifil), Isabel Dean (Alworthy’s sister, Bridget) and Joan Collins as the highway robber Black Bess.

Best described as a rollicking good romp, this hilarious production follows the sexploits of the handsome (now teenage) foundling Tom Jones as he battles in his quest to win the hand of his true love, Western’s daughter Sophia. The fact that this quest inadvertently and often accidentally requires him to satisfy the needs of a number of beautiful young females along the way, ironically only serves to enhance his apparent innocence!

Set in the 18^th Century, Squire Alworthy returns from his travels to find the baby Tom mysteriously placed in his bed. Claiming the child as his own to avoid shame, his sister Bridget pledges her help in raising the boy. Subsequently marrying and producing a son Blifil, she suddenly and unexpectedly finds herself widowed. Her own demise swiftly follows as a result of melancholy and constant referrals to the gin bottle, whereupon Blifil quickly becomes ensconced into his uncle’s household alongside Tom. Tutors Mr Square and Dr Thwackum do their damnedest to scupper the growing Tom’s future plans while Squire Western, father of the lovely Sophia and the object of Tom and Blifil’s desires, is far from being a gentleman of honour. Despite numerous protestations on matters of fidelity and chastity, much of his time is spent in pursuit of the buxom wenches and servants that grace his abode. Enter Lizzie, played by Judy Buxton.

Lizzie is a willing lass, eager to oblige as she first invites Tom and then various others into her bed, in a bid to protect them from the old man’s lecherous clutches and thus effect a mutually agreeable outcome for all concerned! A native of the West Country, complete with lilting accent, she teases and taunts in a lively devil-may-care performance while still managing to portray a certain amount of innocence. Well at least enough to further bemuse an already befuddled Squire Western.

Although a relatively modest role, Judy’s big scene did give her the opportunity of working with both Nicky Henson and Trevor Howard. “I was particularly thrilled to perform opposite Trevor Howard,” says the actress. “He was a huge star and a legend. I thought he was lovely.” The scene did however harbour one or two surprises for Judy. “The director Cliff Owen told me they would be shooting two versions of my bed scene,” she explains. “One for the UK and one for abroad – this meant that one version I was completely covered up by a sheet and the other version I was not! Needless to say that when the film came out, they only used the uncovered version. I do remember that Nicky was a real gentleman and made sure I was well covered between takes and he also insisted they got me a dressing gown. He was so sweet.”