PETER SELLERS, unarguably remains one of the most reputed and pioneer names in Comedy genre, famous all over the world. Yet in India, for some obvious reasons, still Rowan Atkinson (as Mr. Bean) is a more familiar name in English Comedy both in the kids as well as in the adults. The reason may be the repeated telecast of his successful T.V. series or the recent releases of his theatrical films made around his unique character. But the fact remains that if you haven’t seen the works of the master called PETER SELLERS or just associate him with the name of Pink Panther only then you are indeed missing a long important chapter from the Big Bible of Comedy in World Cinema. In other words, your love for the comedy genre remains largely incomplete if you haven’t enjoyed the brilliant films from the legendary veteran.
Recently the buzz of a big budget film being based on a Peter Seller’s classic made me search this gem of a movie called AFTER THE FOX (Caccia Alla Volpe). And as expected I simply loved the film and its exceptionally hilarious plot written around film-making itself taking intelligent potshots on actors, directors and critiques in an amusing style.
Revolving around the character of a sharp minded wanted criminal who is a master of disguise, the film is based on his assignment of smuggling Gold into the country fooling a whole village and its people in a big way. For getting his task done, Peter gets into the character of a famous director and then visits the village as his shooting location to film his new project. Hearing the news of film-shooting taking place in their own village, the innocent people are willing to help Peter in any way in return of their small roles in the film.
To look more realistic Peter also signs a forgotten star of the past in the lead and makes him feel as if he is still a big celebrity today. With the help of such hilarious characters Peter exposes the fact that how films can influence innocent people in just a few minutes and they are ready to do just anything for that. Along with this, he also showcases the changes in the character of a bygone era star, who is not remembered any more by his die-hard fans and is not getting work from anywhere. Victor Mature in the role of that forgotten star is just superb hamming effortlessly on the screen as demanded by the script. Apart from this, it has a worth watching climax in a court room and several other brilliant supporting performances which are a treat to watch for all comedy genre lovers.
So if you want to have a fun-filled evening with the entire family, then just go for this movie in the next weekend and have an enjoyable good time together.
(Reportedly Akshay Kumar’s “TEES MAAR KHAN” is said to be based on this hilarious comedy. Thought its trailer does give you some hints in this direction, but I would be able to comment in details only after the movie gets released. Till then just see if you can get hold the DVD of this Peter Seller’s classic fun ride and enjoy.)
Directed By Vittorio De Sica
Starring : Peter Sellers, Victor Mature, Britt Ekland and more.
Tags :
After The Fox 1966, Caccia Alla Volpe 1966, Peter Sellers, Movies To See Before You Die, Best Comedy Movies, Must See Movies List at www.bobbytalkscinema.com, Must See Movies List by Bobby Sing, Inspiring Movies, Comedies based on Criminals and Crime, Man of Disguise Peter Sellers.
