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Originally released back in eary-1970, the British comedy film "The Magic Christian" has become a cult classic in the world of cinema. It is great to see the legendary British actor Peter sellers in one of his most endearing film performances as Sir Guy Grand, the world's richest man. While strolling through a park in London one morning, he happens to meet a young homeless person (played by Beatle Ringo Starr) who is sleeping on the grounds. On a whim, Sir Guy adopts this fellow as his own son, thereby naming him Youngman Grand. Together, these 2 men embark on an interesting series of misadventures that shows the world exactly what money will do to ordinary people. There are interesting on-screen appearances in this movie by a number of well-known performers, who turn up in brief but interesting characters that only add to the insanity. Sellers' former Goons colleague Spike Milligan plays a traffic cop determined to give out a ticket, only to end up eating it. Monty Python's Flying Circus members Graham Chapman and John Cleese also appear in very amusing roles, with dialogue they co-wrte for the film. The Magic Christian itself is a new luxury ocean liner, where only the wealthy and powerful will sail on its maiden voyage. Among the folks on board ship are Oscar-winning director Roman Polanski, Oscar-winning actor Yul Brynner as a drag queen, sex symbol Raquel Welch as a slave driver and Christopher Lee as the ship's vampire. British rock band Badfinger provided 3 songs for the film; "Come And Get It", "Carry On Till Tomorrow" and "Rock Of All Ages". It is an amusing film, with decidedly British humor.Read full review
I originally saw this movie in the late 70s in an art-house theater in Aspen, Colorado. The cinema was packed, and it was an awesome experience to be in a fun-seeking crowd laughing out loud at this quirky document from 1970. I just re-watched the movie last week, and, while much of the material is showing it's age, it's still better than almost any new comedy work I've seen in the last ten years. This film was meant to be shockwave comedy in 1970, but now, after 40 years of constant shock material, its more amusing than shocking. Some of the overindulgence of the 'magic christian' sequences reminds me of another film of the era, Casino Royale. What holds up are the music ( amazingly ) and the lead performances. Ringo Starr's greatest film performance! Perhaps! Peter Sellers is always fascinating to watch. The music is actually phenomenal, the lead song being from Paul McCartney's pen and several other obscure, self reflective catchy thought-poems set to music. A cult film for sure! Impressive your friends! Check this bizarre film out!Read full review
This is a very good movie. It really demonstrates how people really will do anything for money. Or how money will make people do things they wouldn't ordinarily do. Basically everyone has their price. Peter Sellers & Ringo Starr pair together nicely as they demonstrate this in a comical yet true to point movie. You laugh, but you get it too. It's as true today as when it was made. I enjoy watching it now just as much as when I went to see it in the theatres in the 70's. Money isn't everything, but it makes things easier. Life can be a lot simpler without it. With it, you can sleep in the park or anywhere you want. Without it, your choices of places to sleep are a lot more limited. This movie is funny, but leaves you thinking. The music is great too.
This movie is a personal favorite of mine. Peter Sellers and Ringo Starr (of Beatles fame) play an obscenely rich man and his adopted son who are set out to prove that people will do ANYTHING if the right amount of money is applied. In the practically plotless, off-the-wall humor style used by Monty Python, the two of them go to all sorts of places, paying off practically everyone in England. While it may seem a little dry in this age of Adam Sandler and Will Ferrell, if you enjoy subtle humor, random happenings, and sexual innuendos you will enjoy this film!
1969 classic movie starring Peter Sellers and Ringo Starr. Very funny film. British humor.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
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