It's amazing that no one has mentioned that Kevin Kline won an Oscar for Best Supporting Actor for playing Otto. I thought that was well deserved. Another piece of trivia is that Archie's daughter in the movie, Portia, is John Cleese's real-life daughter, Cynthia...whose mother is Connie Booth, who played Polly in Faulty Towers with Cleese.
This is that rare comedy that got some serious Oscar attention. It not only won Supporting Actor for Kevin Kline, but was also nominated for Screenplay and Director. Also, John Cleese, Jamie Lee Curtis, Kevin Kline and Michael Palin star in another comedy together called, "Fierce Creatures" (1997). I'm probably in the minority here, but that movie is HILARIOUS! Instead of having a stutter, Michael Palin now plays a character who does NOT stop talking. I recommend that film to anyone.
The best director oscar nomination was, at least in part, a lifetime achievement award for Charles Crichton who had been editing important movies since the 1930's - Wanda, which was his last movie, was made while he was 77..
I love Fierce Creatures. I feel it did not get the proper reception it was due as people were looking for a continuation of this film when it is actually a comepletely different story with the same actors. It also has Jeremy Clarkson's, of Top Gear Fame, girlfriend Lisa Hogan in it as the girl feeding the sea lions.
@@peterkirby7546 dude, how have you lost your wig? didnt your mother teach you the rule as a kid? "always wear your wig or get stopped by a pig" your in trouble now.
Since nobody here has mentioned it yet, I would like to point out that this movie is _literally_ so funny it killed a man. IIRC, it was a Swedish anesthesiologist, who had a heart condition, and when he got to the scene where Ken gets chips shoved up his nose, he laughed so heart it aggravated his condition. ISTR his widow wrote to John Cleese, thanking him for at least making her husband's last moments enjoyable and painless. The whole affair left Cleese feeling something between mortified and lamenting what bad taste it would be to use this as advertising.
He's name was Dr. Ole Bentzen, he was from Denmark, and he was an ear nose and throat doctor. His son, Niels Bentzen, once had to correct John Cleese for calling his dad a dentist. When Cleese asked him if he had seen the movie, Niels Bentzen replied that, no, he wasn't ready to die yet.
@@Jacob_Junge Ahhh. I'm guessing Cleese remembered hearing it was a dentist because honestly the whole affair reads like about three or four Monty Python skits mashed up as it is.
@@Jacob_Junge Subsequently the film was translated into German for use in the war. Each translator was given one word to translate. One translator accidentally received two words and had to spend several weeks in hospital.
One of my favorite "British" moments is when Otto makes up a ridiculous upper class British-sounding name and Archie's wife repeats it back to him absolutely perfectly as if she knew it already.
The borrowed apartment scene actually happened to somebody John Cleese knew. The friend was given a spare key and told to use it if he was ever in town but the apartment was sold by the owner and the friends was never informed. He stayed a night and a family of strangers walked in.
Plus, I'm pretty sure at least "one or two" real estate agents over the years have done that with an empty house/ mansion/apt they were selling/renting.
I attended the same high school in St. Louis as Kevin Kline (St. Louis Priory) although a couple decades after he attended. He is very well thought of and the theatre at the school is named after him as it should be. You should view the other movies he stars in as others have mentioned but I loved watching both of you laugh over and over again. Cleese is sneaky tall, he walked right next to me at a casino in Vegas once. Had he not gone right to an ATM, I would have walked up to him and thanked him for writing such a fun character for Kline to play but did not wanna appear like I was gonna swipe his cash at ATM so I just kept walking. Kline as mentioned has won an Oscar but he also has a Tony, very talented actor indeed and so funny in this one.
24:20 The upside-down bottles on the wall are fitted into "Optic spirits measures" device which dispenses a perfectly measured shot when you place a glass under it. ("Optic" is a brand name for this sort of measuring device that became genericized.) Optics or some other type of measuring devices are generally required by law for pubs in UK: Pubs are required to measure their liquor servings, as part of a more general consumer trade law. Some liquor companies will even sell bottles with upside-down labels, so they are legible when used in the Optic devices.
Speaking of Kevin Kline speaking French, I think I've suggested it before, but he plays a Frenchman in "French Kiss", one of my favorite romcoms with Meg Ryan. Also, he's part of a great ensemble cast in Silverado, that Lawrence Kasdan made as an homage to the old fashioned Hollywood westerns of his childhood, and it's a real fun 80s action western.
And Grant worked throwaway references to an offscreen character named Archie Leach into the scripts of several of his movies, so the name already functioned as an in-joke before John Cleese used it that way again as a salute to Grant in this movie.
There is a sequel, but it’s not exactly a traditional sequel. It’s more like the Cornetto Trilogy-different plot and characters, but the same cast, director, and crew. The film is called Fierce Creatures, and it’s even funnier than this one. It’s set in a failing zoo, and while the actors all return, they play completely different personalities. Definitely worth a watch!
I wouldn't say funnier, but right there with it. Perhaps the funniest part was Kevin Kline telling his son he didn't have the guts to murder his own father. The father was based on Rupert Murdoch.
Different director though. Actually TWO directors, because the film shut down for extensive rewrites during the production, and when they started again the original director was no longer available.
1. The Latin sung at the dog funerals translates to: "Have mercy, Lord, the dog is dead." 2. For more Kevin Kline brilliance, please watch "The Pirates of Penzance" (1983).
Kevin Kline had nothing but admiration for John Cleese since meeting him in "Silverado". They say imitation is the greatest form of flattery. Kline's comedic acting style immediately converted into becoming much more "Cleese-like" since "Silverado".
Kevin Kline was great in The Pirates of Penzance, which was a great movie, but because it's a musical it's practically impossible to monetize a reaction video of it.
Kevin Kline is one of our great actors. He has incredible range. He can do silly slapstick like this, do Shakespeare, and everything in between. Some of his most prominent roles are this, Sophie's Choice, Silverado, Big Chill, Grand Canyon, and Dave (just to name a few). I wish he was in more movies but I know he's getting up there.
I honestly think the first time I watched this back in the early nineties may have been the hardest I've ever laughed in the world. I remember, during the "robbing your own house" scene, literally rolling on the floor, soundlessly, breathlessly trying to laugh, tears streaming down my cheeks.
I love how Otto represents so many negative American stereotypes in one character. Loud, ignorant, no strategy, but quite capable when it comes to physical violence. This movie is one of my favorite comedies from the 80s, along with Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, Planes Trains & Automobiles, When Harry Met Sally, Vacation, Ferris Bueller's Day Off and Caddyshack.
You've heard Cleese's commentary on the scene in which Otto's first reaction to Ken coming home is to start screwing the silencer on his gun? He said that moment never fails to get a big laugh among UK audiences, yet the theater is silent when he watches it with an American audience. Because we're so saturated in that sort of instinctive violence we don't even realize it's supposed to be a joke. Simone's reaction to that moment proves she is indeed Canadian :)
Kevin Kline as Otto ranks near the top of movie comedy performances for me. Most reactors hate Otto as a person, but that thought has never crossed my mind because Kline is that funny.
_Dave_ (1993) - the classic comedy with Kevin Kline & Sigourney Weaver is *highly recommended.* One of Kline's biggest movies after winning the Oscar for _Wanda._
Our old VHS copy of this had some bonus features after the credits, which included behind the scenes on some of the stunt shots. Cleese really was dangled out that window, though of course well harnessed and connected to some apparatus that was edited out of the shot. The steamroller had a wide gap in the centre so just passes by either side of the actor (can't remember if it's actually Kevin Kline at that point, or a double).
An absolute classic, and what a treat to see you guys loving it (I’m amazed Simone made it through to the end, given all the animal action!)! And yes, Wanda really did like Archie… but not originally. They filmed the ending several different ways, changing it based on preview audience reactions. Earlier versions had Wanda double-crossing them all and leaving, but eventually they opted for the “Wanda actually likes Archie” happy ending and filmed new scenes for it, which audiences reacted to much more positively. Oh, and Michael Palin’s father had a very strong stutter, so he used that as inspiration for Ken. This is why it feels like a more sympathetic portrayal of a speech impediment, and his performance drew a lot of praise from stuttering charities.
26:19 The judge is Geoffrey Palmer! He was a mainstay of many British comedies, notably "As Time Goes By". He even guest-starred in one ep of Fawlty Towers as a doctor who just wanted kippers for breakfast!
32:26 - IIRC, those roller wheels were usually filled with water to give them weight. For that scene, the stunt actor was in a deep hole, and the front roller was empty. The back, I think, had weights on it to make the front as light as possible. So in the end, all the wheel did was push the stuntman into the hole. A very effective stunt, IMO.
I just love Kevin Kline in this. He takes every British cliche about loud Americans abroad, leans into it and it's hilarious. Sometimes you just need a stage actor.
So glad you two haven't joined the scary movie only parade that seems to happen among reactors for all of October. I daresay it helps you to stand put from the crowd and must be more interesting for you (and me) to see a variety of genres. Thanks.
This is easily in my top 10 comedies of all time. Kevin kline's oscar winning turn as otto is my favourite comedic performance aside from the dude in the big lebowski.
Hello Simone & George!😊 "Rub her out" used to be common slang for whacking someone.😆 Barrister's wear wigs as a symbol of authority. They were first introduced in the 1600s. Great reactions to this classic comedy, Guys!!!!🎬👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
This type of movie we call a "farce movie" in Norway. They made a bunch of these here, like "If more bodies should appear, feel free to give us a call" I guess would be a fair translation.
I was in college when this came out and some of my friends wanted to see it. They invited me, but I didn't want to see it because the title sounded like something from a Disney movie. I'm so glad they were persistent and finally talked me into going. At one point, I literally fell out of my seat because I was laughing so hard. And certainly watch Fierce Creatures when you get the chance.
I was in London shortly after this movie's release, and on a river tour, not only did they point out historic sites, but the building where Kevin Kline hung John Cleese out the window.
The whole movie grew out of that "Cathcart Towers" scene between Michael Palin and John Cleese. Years before they'd started brainstorming a skit where a person with a severe stutter was being interrogated, and that eventually became the script for A Fish Called Wanda.
At one time this was the most successful British film ever. It would hold that position for 6 years, then Four Weddings and a Funeral came out. Kevin Kline (Otto) won a Best Supporting Actor Oscar for this I believe, which kind of put him on the map for a while (well until Wild Wild West knocked him off I suppose). John Cleese (Archie) and Michael Palin (Ken), in case anyone doesn't know, were two members of Monty Python who had been working together since 1969 - on and off.
As a general rule, I struggle with comedies because most go for stupidity instead of cleverness, and I have no patience for stupidity. This film is a comedy I found absolutely delightful. 😊
You should see the deleted scenes for _really_ dark humour. There was originally a subplot with Otto practicing his aiming by shooting off cat's tails. Whenever he was outdoors he would tense up as he senses a cat nearby, aim off-screen and fire, we would hear a cat yowling. Later in the movie we see Otto arranging cat tails in a vase as if they were flowers. Hilariously dark to see and piece together but with the dog subplot also going on and then the fish they decided that maybe they were going _too_ far so cut out the cat thing.
Cleese started entertaining in 1962. He was on the Ed Sullivan show. The earliest example I could find was a bbc radio show I'm Sorry, I'll Read That Again, available on RU-vid.
There is a sort of follow up to this one called "Fierce creatures" it's got mostly the same cast, plus a LOT more other British comedians. Although the characters are different, it has very much the same sort of "feel" as this one.
This has been a favorite of mine for years. Thank you both! As a commenter posted earlier, another hilarious Kevin Kline film is "I Love You to Death" with Tracy Ullman.
Kevin Kline has some great starring roles in movies that are mostly forgotten. January Man and Dave are a couple of them but my favourite is The Emperors Club, which is like a more ‘real life’ Dead Poets Society.
As others have said, you have to do “fierce creatures” next as it’s the spiritual sequel to this movie. Also, for another excellent role by Kevin Kline, I would recommend another movie that flies under the radar, “I Love you to Death”.
Before Monty Python's Flying Circus sketch show, Cleese achieved his breakthrough on British television as a comedy actor, appearing as the tall, upper class patrician figure in the classic "Class" sketch (screened on 7 April 1966), contrasting comically in a line-up with the shorter, middle class Ronnie Barker and the even shorter, working class Ronnie Corbett.
"Fierce Creatures" (1997) is a follow-up with much of the same cast. It is not a sequel- they're all completely different characters. But the actors all play so beautifully off each other; they're both great ensemble comedies.
Very funny reaction. I watched this in theater back then as a child with my parents. One movie you should definitely give a shot is "I love you to death" with Kevin Kline, Keanu Reeves, River Phoenix, William Hurt to name a few. A very funny movie. Kasdan with Kline is always a good thing.
Michael Palin did a lot of work with people who stutter after this movie, like they (an association for people who stutter) watched it and instead of being offended, the panel decided he actually was being a good advocate for folks who stutter, and it moved him that they felt that way, and he had some sort of personal history with it as well I think, it's been a really long time since I read about it but I love that what could have been a really horrible representation ended up becoming a very affirming representation. And a way for him to be an ally and advocate for people who might need it.
@@StoryTimewithMissAnna I think it was, like, his father stuttered, so Palin took great pains to portray it accurately and not have Ken come across as a stereotype.
@@christopherwall2121 Yes yes! I think that's right! It's been years since I've read that story, as soon as I tried to relate it I realized how many details I'd forgotten.
One thing Steve O once did on Jakass: He took a Goldfish out of a bowl, swallowed it, then stuck a finger up his neck, vomited it out and put it back in the bowl, where the fish kept swimming around happily (or as happy as a goldfish in a tank can be).
A Fish Called Wanda is one of the all-time great comedies. Coincidentally, another one of my favorite comedies features Kline in a comedic yet otherwise completely opposite role, the hilarious and underrated In & Out (1997).
An underrated John Cleese gem is Clockwise, where he plays a strict headmaster whose ordered life spins further and further out of control over the course of the film.
The first time I saw John Cleese was in The Magic Christian in 1969. He had a cameo as an employee at an art auction. My wife and I saw A Fish Called Wanda at Capen Hall at Illinois State University before it was in theaters in our area.
There is a minor, but memorable character in Leverage - an aged thief who adopted young Parker and taught her everything about thieving. His name was Archie Leach. I kind wonder if it's the same guy.
23:00 George, he's using a pellet gun; as guns are pretty difficult to obtain in the U.K., but air rifles are common and cheap. Projectiles from the type he has aren't powerful enough to kill someone. Edit: But then, they had firearms for the heist, didn't they? 🤔😄🤷♂️
9:20 - you may be surprised, but one of the youngest role's of John Cleese in a fulltime movie, so not including MPFC, is with Peter Sellers and Ringo Starr in The Magic Christian (1969) ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-NK4jO80rmc0.html
9:25 John Cleese had a few roles going back to 1967, but the earliest thing you'd likely have seen him in was Monty Python's Flying Circus, which began in 1969.
Making fun of a stutter is such an easy, cliche thing to do. Either playing someone with a stutter as just another Porky Pig, and/or someone making fun at that character. But this is one of the rare films that actually treats Ken's stutter as real. Michael Palin's acting is quite spot on for how people with stutters actually sound. (There are different ways it can manifest, but his is accurately one of them.) Otto makes fun of it, but Otto is already established as a complete jerk. Wanda treats Ken and his stutter with respect. Archie (Cleese) is patient, even in a time of great urgency. The humor comes from the timing, not the stutter itself. And his patience is not simply "British politeness," it's clearly actual patience. Stutterers often can use singing as a way to overcome the difficulty, though in that situation it didn't help overcome the nervousness. Also, stutters do not simply "disappear" like it does when Ken overcomes Otto. But as a comedy film ending to his character's arc, it's pretty good.
Now you guys need to check out the spiritual sequel, “Fierce Creature”. It is an entirely different story but it stars the same great principal cast of Cleese, Palin, Curtis, and Klein reunited for another madcap comedy. It’s also written by Cleese like this film and features a love triangle between Cleese, Curtis, and Klein’s characters too. It’s definitely not quite as good, but it is still worth watching.
I really like Fierce Creatures. If A Fish Called Wanda never existed, I feel like it would have been better received. As it is, the thing most people say about it is that it's not as good as A Fish Called Wanda.
