The Fiendish Plot of Dr. Fu Manchu

Whilst not a Sellers classic I still feel this film did have a certain touch of Sellers genius about it. Alas it appears the majority of the reviewers here have never watched the Christopher Lee Fu Manchu films. It was such a wonderful parody that even now it has me laughing. Maybe it is because you really need to get some of the "in jokes". It also explains why this film was set in the Thirties as well ('cos the Christopher Lee ones were). So guys before criticising something try and find out why it is there. As a lover of horrors and comedies I found this a joyous blend of my favourite baddie suffering the humour of my favourite comedian. If you ever enjoyed a Christopher Lee baddie (and who didn't?) then don't miss this as a marvelous mickey taking. In fact I think it is about time to watch it again! Oh and DON'T eat Chinese food whilst watching this unless you like laughing noodles out through your nose!!!!!!

Jeez... come on, you guys! Whew!

This movie's always been a childhood favorite. And what about Helen Mirren? Or about that crazy plant getting shot? That always freaked me out! That little gasp, and then it starts dying...? Or how about that mechanical spider? Those electric shocks Fu Manchu had to do? And the end! You don't see sort of win/lose endings like that.

No, this movie's always had a special place in my heart. Mainly, it's a film best approached with a childlike perspective. No, it's not a Great Film, nor Masterpiece Cinema, but there is something about it....

When I saw Dr.Fu began to sing before ending,I almost fell off the couch.I couldn't soon believe this is Sellers' last work.As a matter of fact,this is not a masterpiece at all.But I think this is not so bad as everyone says.I do like some gags and comic parts of this film.For example,the sequence of our familiar Cato (Burt Kwouk) who spills that mysterious medicine.Or the sequence of young delightful Robert (Simon Williams) who smashes up the mechanical spider,which is Nayland's favorite.Both scenes are done with good timing enough to make me laugh. Details are also fun;the lawn mower,two-seater bicycle,balloon house,and so on.Nonsense gags are almost surreal.If you see this film carefully (and patiently),you will become to love it.Actually I can't hate it,like mother who loves her misshapen child.

OK! Maybe it is not the best film making but it is fun, and is the last hurrah for one of the great comic actors of all time. A gentle spoof of all of those Fu Manchu films over the years,(and frankly better than many of them) It contained many of the hallmarks of Sellers films such as playing multiple roles (Fu Manchu and nemesis Nayland Smith) Using comic actors of similar stripe (Sid Caesar) re-uniting with Bert Kwouk (his man-servant in many of the Pink Panther movies.) This was also the farewell film of actor David Tomlinson and John Le Messeur both of whom retired from films after this. The movie is a fun romp with a mix of the absurd slapstick and the witty dialog of the characters. One of my favorite lines happens after a line of dacoit assassins appear in front of Fu Manchu and he says "you can't fool me with a cheap cinematic trick." This was very fitting farewell to a great comic genius.

While "The Fiendish Plot of Dr. Fu Manchu" is by no means the best of Peter Sellers' work, for those who are fans and appreciate his whole output, the movie is enjoyable. Multiple characters for Sellers, "Goon Show"-type humor, a measure of unreality and strong supporting performances all contribute to it. The movie manages to mix only a few out-and-out laughs with some more subtle comedy, some farce, and even a few moments to ponder. The fact that it was Sellers' last performance might add to its attachment for fans, but I'll argue that it is a good and under-appreciated comedy. I'll hang onto my VHS copy and hope that a DVD version is produced.