egleg_loombucket Reviews

Murder by Death (1976)

Murder by laughter

[8/10 · 8 July 2005]

This isn't the funniest film of all time but combine the premise, the cast and a sparkling script by Neil Simon and you have the basis for a comedy classic. The stars are all out in this minor masterpiece with David Niven, Maggie Smith, Peter Sellers, Truman Capote, James Coco, Else Lanchaster, Alec Guinness and Peter Falk all providing the goods in this admittedly daft but reassuringly quaint spoof on the traditional Agather Christie who-dunit. It opened to mix reviews who complained that the script wasn't up to standard, but reflecting on the film now, it's hamminess just adds to it's charm. The film contains so many stereo-typical roles - the blind Butler (Guinness), the chocolate eating Frenchman (Coco) the Chinaman with three sons (Sellers) and the English upper-class twit perfected by Niven here and his aristocratic wife portrayed marvellously by Smith - it all adds up to make a nice, gentle little comedy.

The Prisoner of Zenda (1979)

Not as bad as some people say - but should have been tons better!

[6/10 · 8 July 2005]

This is a very lavish looking, picturesque romp that should have been a sure fire hit. "Porridge" scriptwriters Dick Clement and Ian Le Frenais were the men responsible for turning the classic Anthony Hope into a comedy, which shouldn't have been too difficult bearing in mind the ridiculous scenario linked to the main story. However, this scenario is all they went for, and any characterisation or satirical touches are abandoned and a lot of cartoonish setups such as Gregory Sierra's role and also other segments such as the explosive bowls game and the early scene in the restaurant replace any serious comedy. Therefore, in his dwindling health and sorrowful state, Sellers looks a bit out of place amongst the diving into the water routines and the jumping of a tall castle stints. It is very similar to his Fu Manchu experience two years later (when he also played two roles) in that he's still putting the work in but to little effect. The film is a reminder of his earlier years and really backfires as a poor man's Pink Panther. However, he still proves that he can act (which is a lot more than most actors these days) despite the poor material and backed by a host of regular artists such as Catherine Schell, Elke Sommer (both stars of Pink Pantherfs), Graham Stark, John Laurie, Jeremy Kemp (who had starred in Sellers' The Blockhouse in 1972) - it should have been better considering the quality of Sellers' other films at the time, but it does fall very flat.

Up Pompeii (1971)

Frankie Howerd at his cinematic best

[7/10 · 27 June 2005]

Poor Frankie didn't have a lot of luck in the world of film - making a string of Norman Wisdom type of comedies in the 50's, two Carry Ons in the sixties, and then this, the first of a trilogy of "Up..." films. This is probably his best starring vehicle. Scripted by Dave Freeman, Sid Colin and Talbot Rothwell, this, at least fairs better than the average sitcom-to-film venture; for this doesn't rely on the string of half-hour stories lifted from the television show to support the 90 mins. The reason is simple, all the writers were already experienced with writing films. All that has been lifted from the show is the majority of double entendre groan-worthy gags which, thankfully, when performed by Howerd, still raise a titter. With fine support from Patrick Cargill, Michael Hordern, Bernard Bresslaw, Hugh Paddick, Julie Ege etc. this is bound to make you laugh... even if it's just a bit.

The Magic Christian (1969)

Fantastic satire!

[7/10 · 27 June 2005]

This is a fantastically strong, crude, hilariously funny, Goonish satire - complete with bucketloads of stars and Peter Sellers and Ringo Starr at the helm at what must be one of the most offensive films of all time. The problem why this was unpopular at the time (and also is now) is because it's poking fun at EVERYONE and only those who are willing to except it will really get the most of this. Written by Sellers, Terry Southern (who wrote the script to Dr. Strangelove) and also John Cleese and Graham Chapman, you can tell what this going to comprise of - a bizarre, outlandish situation with black comedy (Southern) and a fine blend of Goonish qualities and a Pythonesque touch. The result, in my opinion, is a fantastically sharp film.

Don't Raise the Bridge, Lower the River (1968)

Hooray for Terry-Thomas!

[5/10 · 27 June 2005]

In a film that will only really appeal if you're a keen fan of Jerry lewis, Terry - Thomas, for me,was the saving grace of this picture. It was the only reason I bought it in the first place, but thankfully, aided by some fine support from a young Patricia Routledge, Bernard Cribbins and John Bluthal, the film is still worth a look-in. The story is also quite amusing, although I can't help feeling that it could have been used to a much bigger comic impact. Thankfully, there are enough comic scenarios are characters to help fill out some of the gaps for the film to become too slow. Terry - Thomas puts in a fantastic, stereo-typical "cad" performance and there's some great mugging from Bernard Cribbins but apart from that, the film is a bit of a dead loss.

Casino Royale (1967)

"Okay" spoof of James Bond

[6/10 · 27 June 2005]

Perhaps the most infamous film in history, it's true what they say - this film doesn't make any sense, the story is non-existent, but, for all of those things, it's still enjoyable. Don't look upon this as a spoof of James Bond, the only things it has in common is the name, but there should be enough shockingly bad jokes to entertain. On the acting side, there's some tremendous talent on show - David Niven, Peter Sellers, Ursula Andress, Woody Allen, Orson Welles - plus there's great support from the likes of Bernard Cribbins, Ronnie Corbett, Deborah Kerr. It does seem a bit of a shame and a waste that such high-talented performers are put to waste with the poor workings of the script but nevertheless they still make slightly more than adequate viewing.

The Case of the Mukkinese Battle-Horn (1956)

The Goons Greatest Film Escapade!

[10/10 · 27 June 2005]

Shamefully hidden behind the acknowledgement "Down Among The Z Men" has as being the only major Goon film, Case of the Mukkinese Battlehorn, being only a third in length, is a vast superior. Devised by Peter Sellers and starring himself, Spike Milligan and Dick Emery (filling out Harry Secombes shoes) the story twists and turns about quite incomprehensibility, but the comedy is completely at the floor ALL THE TIME. You've heard of people saying the films a-laugh-a-minute? Well, Case of the Mukkinese Battlehorn is the only time I've known it be true. Any fan of comedy, not just Goons, would see this and appreciate it.

After the Fox (1966)

Not as as bad as it's made out to be

[8/10 · 27 June 2005]

For some reason, this film failed on it's release in 1966, and coincidentally marked the first in a long line of cinema flops for the star Peter Sellers, but now, on viewing it on DVD, I think it stands very comfortably amongst his more recognised work. The plot, written by Neil Simon is brilliantly fast-paced, the comedy lies everywhere, and there's terrific support from Maurice Denham, Britt Ekland, and of course Victor Mature sending up himself as a age-defying crummy actor. Why it flopped, heaven knows. Under the masterful direction of Vittorio de Sica, this map-cap farce makes great viewing, although it does take a bit to get the momentum up. Overall, very enjoyable.

A Night in Casablanca (1946)

The Last Great Marx Brother Film

[7/10 · 27 June 2005]

The brothers hadn't made a film together for five years when this film was released in 1946. They had disbanded from Hollywood and regrouped down largely to financial problems, which was also the reason they returned to make Love Happy in 1949. However, this is no way near as bad as Love Happy and should rightfully stand as the last Marx Brothers picture, as they would end on a high note. The only thing that shows here is their ageing, but the gags, slapstick humour and scenarios are all present, and a lot more funnier than their last outing The Big Store, and a few others previous to this. The endings a bit slapdash, but nevertheless, sit back and enjoy!

The Fiendish Plot of Dr. Fu Manchu (1980)

Not the best film of Sellers, but Sellers carries on regardless

[4/10 · 25 February 2005]

It is true that some fans of Peter Sellers work may be disappointed with this, his last venture. But surely any fan of Sellers will find delight in all of his films, simply because of the man's huge talent. and The Fiendish Plot of Dr. Fu Manchu is certainly no exception. Unfortunately this would prove to be Sellers last film, (it was even released after his death), but it's still nice to see how the man had managed to keep his irreplaceable talent right until his untimely demise. And not only do we get one Sellers, but we get to, for Sellers plays not only the title role but also his nemesis, the equally bizarre Nayland Smith, the detective on the hunt for the crazed 168 year old Fu. The story is equally outlandish as we follow Fu's outrageous antics to make his age-defying elixir and also Nayland and his group of associates trying to prevent him. Just like any of Sellers greater films, the film comes with a guaranteed impeccable performance from him, as well as many of his familiar-faced co-stars - David Tomlinson, Sid Caesar, John Le Mesurier, Clive Dunn and Helen Mirren to name a few. It's also nice to see Pink Panther stalwart Burt Kwouk (Cato) enjoying a cameo with Sellers - albeit playing the same role, but still nice. The story is indeed pretty ridiculous, as are many of the characters involved, which classes this as a film strongly under the Goon influence. And, although it never reaches the heights of Goon comedy, there are plenty of amusing jokes that seem to point in the right direction. The film failed commercially on it's initial release due to the entire world mourning after Sellers' death (the film was released less than 3 weeks after)and there is always that sorrowful thought lurking in the back of your mind when viewing it that this was Sellers last film. It's far from a great film - it's often slow, too ridiculous, and sometimes the jokes simply aren't there - but it is nevertheless enjoyable - if only for another top rate performance from Peter Sellers.