Undercovers Hero

Peter Sellers' film career was a hit and miss affair to say the least but it surely hit a new low with this wretched, screamingly tedious, jumbled, painfully unfunny 'comedy' set in a French brothel during WW2 that sees Sellers' ego move into overdrive as it has him appearing in no fewer than 6 roles, each as annoying and unfunny as the next. How was this justified ? Oh I forgot, Peter was the star of the show and if Peter wanted the opportunity to wear as many costumes as he wanted whilst dazzling us with his repertoire of 'hilarious' accents then, hey, there's little point in the director, producer etc arguing with The Great One and so they might as well bow to his every whim. I was under the impression that at least 90% of the acting profession was out of work at any one time but it seems no-one told this to Sellers and if they had, he clearly wasn't listening. This abomination really was another nail in the coffin as far as his career was concerned and it came as no surprise that Inspector Clouseau made a re-appearance a year of two after this unwatchable drivel was polluting the handful of movie theatres that the distributors decided to show it in.

One of the better 007 baddies, Curt Jurgens, was clearly desperate for the pay cheque as he makes an appearance alongside the likes of Windsor Davies ( no sign of Lofty though ) and Rula Lenska.

Brutal stuff. Don't say you weren't warned.

What I find interesting about this rather domestic small budget film (made at a time when Sellers's box office clout was at its lowest) is the fact that, yes Sellers plays six different characters, however the film is not saturated with him. In fact Sellers blends in remarkably to the rest of the film.

Although I wouldn't necessarily call this film a comedy, there are some funny little bits in it, its strikes me more as a delightful war-time adventure story.

In my opinion, the main focal point of this film is brothel owner Madame Grenier and her girls and their work for the French Resistance in occupied France. Sellers plays a whole host of characters around this central plot point and comes across far more as a counter-point to the action of Mme Grenier and her girls instead of screaming "Peter Sellers film Peter Selers film!" In his roles, he's also playing rather straight, not pushing for laughs, unlike his rather outrageous and dominating roles in the Pink Panther films.

All in all, this British-made film is rather domestic in feel, not a big budget, and while it's enjoyable if you happen to come across it on cable one day, but don't be prepared to be knocked out.

Super Sellers gives full show of his great abilities by playing completely different characters, Like he did in "Dr.Strangelove". Only this time he's pushing to the extreme! Hilarious movie, great comedy. I didn't give a super vote because (alas) it is only Peter Sellers who keeps it going, although it's more than enough for a genuine laugh! :) No, HE is GREAT (was it really needed to say so? even after the Pink Panther series?)

To my mind, Sellers was at his peak when he made this film. It wasn't a commercial success like the Panther films, but it was a personal success for Sellers. He was being funny AND enjoying himself whilst doing it. I saw this film when it was first released at the cinema and enjoyed it then, and then again when it was shown on British TV. It hadn't aged, it was still excellent. I just wish Warners would release it on Video or DVD now......

December 2021

Yes Soft beds hard battles features Peter Sellers in about 6 different roles here, well as some other recognisable faces such as Jenny Hanley and Rula Lenska.

Interestingly when this came out it was an X certificate apparently and now its only a certificale 12, it does feature quite a bit of nudity.

Watch out for Gabriella Licudi from a great film called You must be joking, she looked so different here.

Largely a fun film, that perhaps loses it way a little towards the end.

8 beds out of 10.