The thing I remember most about that movie - which we saw when it first came out in 1968 - was how flawless Peter Sellers' American accent was, not always the case with British actors back then the way it is today. Also, we watched it again within the last 5-10 years and it had dated as badly as any movie from that era, and more than most. Still, I remembered it fairly well.
This movie is a perfect time-capsule of the era--not really the hippies, but what middle-class people thought of the hippies. But you're right about how dated it is and parts of it--such as the Mexican family Sellers represents in court--are so stereotypical as to border on offensive.
The thing I remember most about that movie - which we saw when it first came out in 1968 - was how flawless Peter Sellers' American accent was, not always the case with British actors back then the way it is today. Also, we watched it again within the last 5-10 years and it had dated as badly as any movie from that era, and more than most. Still, I remembered it fairly well.
ReplyDeleteJeff M.
Sad how few of them hold up. Not a good era for films IMHO. But always worth watching Sellers.
ReplyDeleteThis movie is a perfect time-capsule of the era--not really the hippies, but what middle-class people thought of the hippies. But you're right about how dated it is and parts of it--such as the Mexican family Sellers represents in court--are so stereotypical as to border on offensive.
ReplyDeleteDeb, you are so right - what middle-class people thought of the hippies is it exactly.
ReplyDeleteEven at the time I remember thinking it was silly - the "guru" stuff - but who wouldn't fall for Leigh Taylor-Young? Ryan O'Neal certainly did.
Jeff M.
Oh, Patti, I hadn't thought of this film for such a long time. Dated, but really reflective of the era.
ReplyDelete