The Mouse on the Moon (1963)

User Rating:

6.5/10   

Director:

Richard Lester

Writers:

Leonard Wibberley (novel)
Michael Pertwee (screenplay)

Release Date:

17 June 1963 (USA)

Genre:

Comedy

Tagline:

Stop shooting at our moon!

Plot:

A tiny country persuades the Americans and Soviets that they're starting a space program, when they really just want some money for new plumbing.

Plot Keywords:

Sequel | Moon | Rocket | Duchy Of Grand Fenwick | Political

Awards:

Nominated for Golden Globe.

Cast

Margaret Rutherford	...	Grand Duchess Gloriana XIII
Ron Moody	...	Prime Minister Rupert Mountjoy
Bernard Cribbins	...	Vincent Mountjoy
David Kossoff	...	Professor Kokintz
Terry-Thomas	...	Maurice Spender (as Terry Thomas)
June Ritchie	...	Cynthia
John Le Mesurier	...	British Delegate
John Phillips	...	Bracewell - U.S. Delegate
Eric Barker	...	M.I.5. Man
Roddy McMillan	...	Benter
Tom Aldredge	...	Wendover
Michael Trubshawe	...	British Aide
Peter Sallis	...	Russian Delegate
Clive Dunn	...	Bandleader
Hugh Lloyd	...	Plumber

Runtime:

82 min

Country:

UK

Language:

Russian | English

Color:

Color (Eastmancolor)

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Sound Mix:

Mono (Westrex Recording System)

Certification:

UK:U | Argentina:Atp | West Germany:6 | Finland:S | Sweden:Btl | USA:Approved (PCA #20379)

Filming Locations:

Pinewood Studios, Iver Heath, Buckinghamshire, England, UK

Company:

Walter Shenson Films

Trivia:

David Kossoff, who played Kokintz, was the only principal cast member of The Mouse That Roared (1959) who returned to play the same role in this sequel.

Quotes:

[repeated line]
Grand Duchess Gloriana XIII: It's that nasty tin thing again!

Movie Connections:

Follows The Mouse That Roared (1959)

How an amusing film was spoiled

The story line of how the underdog can beat the big boys is well executed, and although this comedy is not hilariously funny the story moves at a sufficient pace to keep the interest levels up. A wonderful array of stalwart British comedy actors march through this film, including a cameo for Frankie Howerd in need of the new public convenience.

Where this film falls down, for me, is in Ron Moody's performance. His overacting singlehandedly turns this from potentially being a good film into one that can't be recommended. As if he were playing to a school of 5 year olds awaiting an episode of Crackerjack, Moody shouts and splashes and blusters his way aimlessly through this movie. Unfortunately he has a lead role. I'm no fan of Peter Sellers, but this film could have been so much more if perhaps the lead role had been given to John le Mesurier or Eric Barker rather than relegating them to small support roles.