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The Mouse That Roared

The Mouse That Roared

List Price: $24.95
Your Price: $19.96
Product Info Reviews

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Rating: 5 stars
Summary: " But what if we win?...."
Review: A fellow graduate school student and I saw this film in New Haven when it was first released and had no idea what to expect, except that it starred Peter Sellers whose work we both admired very much in earlier films such as The Ladykillers (1955), Tom Thumb (1958), and I'm All Right Jack (1959). So we settled back in our seats and were immediately enchanted by Grand Fenwick and its monarch, Grand Duchess Gloriana (Sellers). The best way to enjoy this film now is to see it as a whimsical fantasy rather than as a serious satire of the Cold War and the widespread concern then about thermonuclear weapons. Its greatest strength remains the same as it was 45 years ago: The talents of Peter Sellers. He plays three quite different characters, the aforementioned Grand Duchess as well as "Field Marshal" Tully Bascombe (who leads a 20-soldier invasion of the United States) and Count Mountjoy, the devious prime minister.

The plot (such as it is) consists of a series of humorous incidents prior to, during, and then following the invasion. As directed by Jack Arnold, the film focuses on the implications of a basic conceit: Declare war on the United States (as did Japan and then Germany), lose the war, and then have your economy restored to greater health than ever before (e.g. Japan and Germany). Count Mountjoy's strategy fails for reasons best revealed in the film. One of the several brilliant elements is Arnold's use of Professor Kokintz (David Kossoff) who has invented the "Q Bomb," a weapon whose nuclear power (he claims) is "approximately" equal to 100 hydrogen bombs. Better yet, it has the size and shape of an American football and thus can easily be tucked under an arm until activated. Presumably the straight-faced silliness throughout this film made a favorable impression on members of the Monty Python Flying Circus.

Regrettably, the DVD version I have offers no special features other than clearer image and sound. Those who enjoy this film are urged to check out Kind Hearts and Coronets (1949) in which Alec Guinness plays eight different roles.

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: Little known Classic
Review: Absolutely hilarious film will have you laughing before it even starts!! Humor is hip and offbeat, and if you like Peter Sellers, you'll love this film!

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: A Great Movie
Review: As silly as this movie seems, this is truly a great movie! It continues the idea that all old movies are either really good or really bad. I would recommend this to anyone interested in a comedy or International Relations.

Rating: 4 stars
Summary: Is it possible?
Review: From the director Jack Arnold, who directed many great sci-fi movies such as "It Came from Outer Space (1953)" ASIN: 6303046436 , we are brought the tail about the Duchy of Grand Fenwick which after being snubbed by the wine industry declares war on the U. S. They plan to surrender and be compensated with the wine concession to the U.S.

Naturally they get a little enthusiastic and things do not go as planned. Peter Sellers gets to play three different characters. Someone gets the Q bomb. And you get a laugh.

Rating: 3 stars
Summary: An okay movie, but it is...
Review: I first saw this movie many years ago from a friend of mine who recommended it. I thought it was very funny about the premise, where the US always loves to rebuild countries that it defeats in wars. So this country of Fenwick decides to declare war on the US and lose so they can get money, as that their requests seemed to fall on deaf earsin Washington.

Anyway...There really isn't any war in the movie, nor any real violence in it. Peter Sellers does a great job playing 3 different roles too. William Hartnell (the first Doctor of Doctor Who) also is in the movie, as a supporting actor to one of Peter Seller's many roles.

Could have been better, but I still love it. I own the DVD and liked it.

Rating: 3 stars
Summary: An okay movie, but it is...
Review: I first saw this movie many years ago from a friend of mine who recommended it. I thought it was very funny about the premise, where the US always loves to rebuild countries that it defeats in wars. So this country of Fenwick decides to declare war on the US and lose so they can get money, as that their requests seemed to fall on deaf earsin Washington.

Anyway...There really isn't any war in the movie, nor any real violence in it. Peter Sellers does a great job playing 3 different roles too. William Hartnell (the first Doctor of Doctor Who) also is in the movie, as a supporting actor to one of Peter Seller's many roles.

Could have been better, but I still love it. I own the DVD and liked it.

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: May be Peter Seller's best movie.
Review: In this hilarious film Peter Sellers plays three roles (one a duchess) and plays them superbly. Perhaps one has to have a taste for understated British humor to fully appreciate this film, but I'm not British and I love it. If you like Peter Sellers -- or just good comedy -- please give this delightful film a try.

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: WONDERFUL!
Review: Not only is Peter completely great in the movie, showing his ability to manipulate different personalities, but all other characters, including l'amor, are great. This movie is hilarious, well written, and with tons of hidden "morals". MUST SEE!

Rating: 4 stars
Summary: Well done DVD
Review: Not the greatest movie ever made, but a very pleasant outing for all. Sellers is wonderful and all his supporting players follow his lead. Everybody is having a very good time. There are no knee-slappers in this one, but you'll have a smile all the way through. It's a simpler thing and the better for it. A definite buy for Sellers fans, a nice watch for families. The DVD transfer is very good despite the 1950's age of the film. The mono soundtrack is clean and clear.

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: What is it Bo-Bo?
Review: One of the best Peter Sellers movies. I grew up watching this, and about a week ago I watched it again. And I finally got all of the jokes. I remember watching this when I was at least 7 years old. It's not something you'd hide from kids. There wasn't any corse remarks in it and that's good. Peter Sellers actually plays three people in this movie and does a good job at it. I'm sure you'll find this movie intertaining and fun when you watch it, so WATCH IT!


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