Those Magnificent Men in Their Flying Machines
It's hijinks (as well as high dizziness) galore when an international air race sponsored by a newspaper publisher is undermined by sabotage. Starring in this frothy caper is a large and very funny international cast including Benny Hill, Eric Sykes, Gert Frobe, Irina Demich, James Fox, Jean-Pierre Cassel, Red Skelton, Robert Morley, Sarah Miles, Stuart Whitman and gap-toothed British funnyman Terry-Thomas.
Member Reviews
Rolicking Good Fun! - bbould
What a marvelous movie; certainly one of the wackiest films ever made. A wealthy newspaper owner, Robert Morley, decides to sponsor an air-race from London to Paris. The invitation to race attracts competitors from all over the world. National pride combined with traditional animosity results in a lot of "friendly" rivalries as well as some conflict. As Robert Morley observed, "The trouble with international affairs is that they attract foreigners." Terry-Thomas is in brilliant form as the villain, Sir Percy, who never leaves anything to chance. His relationship with his man-servant Courtney is a hoot. The stunningly beautiful Sarah Miles is the romantic object of both Stuart Whitman and James Fox. They not only battle to win the air race but her affections as well. The rest of the international star-studded cast is also excellent. It's zany, funny, exciting, and family friendly. Though a bit long, it is thoroughly enjoyable.Magnificently Funny After All These Years - MovieProf
This film is a hoot. Set in 1910, the film recounts a fictional air race between London and Paris for a sum of 10 000 pounds to the winner. Open to the world, several international countries are represented, including England, Scotland, Italy, the USA, Japan, France, and Germany. Slapstick humour (especially when the Germans are on screen) helps turn this film from merely interesting to downright hilarious.
A major international cast was employed here, including James Fox, Stuart Whitman, Sarah Miles, Alberto Sordi, Gert Frobe, Jean-Pierre Cassel, Yujiro Ishihara, and Robert Morley.
Ironically enough, the race does not actually begin until after the intermission: the first half of the film focuses on the characters assembling in England for flying practice, and an ensuing love triangle between Whitman, Miles, and Fox.
Word of warning: the title song may stay in your head long after you have finished watching this one!Still enjoyable after 40+ years - Ralston_McTodd
Ignore the rear-screen projection, archaic production values, and love-triangle. The comic turns by British actors are still hilarious. I was disappointed to find that "It's a Mad, Mad, etc. World" was too dated for me to bear watching, but this film from my childhood didn't disappoint. Part of the fun is the flying machines, but most of the fun is the funnymen.
Member Reviews
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Rolicking Good Fun! - bbould
What a marvelous movie; certainly one of the wackiest films ever made. A wealthy newspaper owner, Robert Morley, decides to sponsor an air-race from London to Paris. The invitation to race attracts competitors from all over the world. National pride combined ...Magnificently Funny After All These Years - MovieProf
This film is a hoot. Set in 1910, the film recounts a fictional air race between London and Paris for a sum of 10 000 pounds to the winner. Open to the world, several international countries are represented, including England, Scotland, Italy, the USA, Japan, ...Still enjoyable after 40+ years - Ralston_McTodd
Ignore the rear-screen projection, archaic production values, and love-triangle. The comic turns by British actors are still hilarious. I was disappointed to find that "It's a Mad, Mad, etc. World" was too dated for me to bear watching, but this film from ...