BLURAY: THE LAST REMAKE OF BEAU GESTE

BLURAY: THE LAST REMAKE OF BEAU GESTE
Co-written & directed by Marty Feldman
Starring Marty Feldman, Ann Margaret, Michael York, Peter Ustinov, James Earl Jones
Shock Entertainment, July 2018
Reviewed by Shane Pinnegar
9/10

Marty Feldman’s masterpiece proved too clever for its own good, especially in America, where his absurdist humour and rapid-fire sight gags often fell flat. More’s the pity, as this is an absolutely hilarious take on the classic Beau Geste tale (written by P C Wren in 1924) which holds up well even today, forty years after its 1977 release.

Feldman stars as Digby Geste, ‘identical’ twin brother of the dashing, swashbuckling Beau, played straight by the dashing, swashbuckling Michael York. After their ailing father marries gold digger Flavia (Ann Margaret), they run off with the family riches, the Blue Water sapphire, and meet up again after each joining the French Foreign Legion.

Along the way the jokes come in quick succession and Michael York has apparently gone on record saying that Feldman’s original cut was “much funnier” – another story of studio suits making changes that fail to appeal to the larger audience they had hoped.

Considering how good the film is, Feldman’s director’s cut (which remains unreleased despite attempts to rectify that situation) must be absolutely hilarious. As it stands it is well worth (re) acquainting yourself with.

Category: Movie & Theatre Reviews