Review of Monte Carlo or Bust! (1969) by Matthew D — 19 Sep 2018
A quaint comedy classic.
Take a quick ride across Europe with Those Daring Young Men in Their Jaunty Jalopies (1969). A humorous farce of a comedy. The slap stick is funny and the writing is stereotypical of European people, but it is all in good fun. The stuffy, pompous British are represented, the sleazy, cheating English, the romancing Italians, the sweet French, the goofy Americans, and the stern Germans are all here and accounted for in the movie. These cliche types do not give you anything new, but the humor is centered around these exaggerated caricatures. I think any audience will enjoy the visual jokes and clever writing.
The direction from Ken Annakin and Sam Itzkovitch is pretty excellent. Their use of wide shots show stunning European countrysides as well as giving the viewer a better understanding of the lush setting. Their utilization of mini models allows for some hilarious bits involving toy cars and mass quantities of snow. Overall, the editing is very silly in the style of the late 1960's cinema with the retro mod style, but the turn of the century look of everything is quite charming.
This brings me to the highlight of Those Daring Young Men in Their Jaunty Jalopies: the acting. This film has a massive cast of fun characters portrayed by excellent actors all around. Tony Curtis takes an unusual turn from his more serious dramatic roles as a goofy near blind American that loves joy. He is particularly funny whenever he is on screen. I wish he was present even more actually. Susan Hampshire is adorable with her sleek appearance and squeaky voice. She plays the charming British lady Betty that accompanies Curtis' chummy character Chester.
Furthermore, the supporting cast equally will delight you with their off the wall comedy chops. Terry Thomas, Eric Sykes, Peter Cook, and. Dudley Moore are hilarious as the most stuffy upper class caricatures of the British aristocracy and military men. Meanwhile, Gert Fröbe kills it as the rage filled German driver with slapstick aplenty.
Overall, this is not a ground breaking comedy. But it's epic scope, quick pace, endless jokes, and solid cast will certainly give you a chuckle.
This review of Monte Carlo or Bust! (1969) was written by Matthew D on 19 Sep 2018.
Monte Carlo or Bust! has generally received positive reviews.
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