Mon 'Beau' légionnaire

This movie played a thousand times when we got cable TV for the first time and it quickly became one of my late night favorites. Ann-Margret was never more beautiful and neither was Michael York! I watched it every time I could, probably 15 or 20 times. Years later, wondering if its attraction was merely to my adolescent humor, I watched it again and enjoyed it just as much when in my 30's. It has great lines, great laughs, great characters. I find that I still use quotes from this movie in my everyday conversations long after I'd forgotten where they came from. The slapstick humor of the late '70s is in full bloom in this movie and it's a close cousin in silliness to "Murder By Death".

Having seen this movie at least a dozen times, it is no secret that I'm a great fan of it. In my eyes it is THE best Feldman movie ever made. Especially enjoyable is the sadistic Markov portrayed brilliantly by Peter Ustinov. Quality gags and an all-star lineup simply can't be denied. Final verdict: 8/10.

I remember Marty Feldman, having first seen him in TV's "At Last the 1948 Show" in the '60's and his eccentric brand of humour has not aged much. I say much because sadly the naughty sexual innuendo and double entendre's do make me wish for a simpler age. A time when the thought of aged Trevor Howard and an absolutely stunning Anne-Margaret heading for the bedroom to do "something creative with a chandelier and a feather duster" brought forth a chortle.

The rest however is top notch improvisational comedy. Constantly watchable if not thigh-slappingly funny. It is a stream of amusement interspersed with runs of out loud laughter.

The horse with the prosthetic leg matching his rider is brilliant. As another poster stated the large range of quality actors appearing is a tribute to Marty Feldman's professional standing. To see Darth Vader, er, I mean James Earl Jones doing a very funny parody of Terry-Thomas who actually appears in the film is wonderful.

I liked Mel Brooks' "Men in Tights" which closely resembles "Last Remakes" style but somehow Marty could skew the humour that one more degree to make it just that little bit more eccentrically funny.

It may seem a bit silly in parts now, but overall it is thoroughly enjoyable. And finding a child look-a-like for Marty Feldman made me push this films rating from a 7 to an 8.

Man, I saw this movie in the theater with my parents.. I was so lucky.. they took me to every film they thought worthy...It was hot in Austin Texas and we loved the air conditioning..that's probably why we were there..but my young mind loved the satire (though I didn't know what it was) and man.. Michael York was a hottie!) I am so lucky.. my parents knew what they were doing...

I saw some GEMS.. of course.. we're pretty base, unsophisticated folks so the movies we like won't set the world afire.. my mom and I had a great time discussing how wimpy Leslie Howard was as Ashley Wilkes in Gone With the Wind.. and we still laugh about Hannibal Lecter's Fava Beans... we've seen dogs do the same slurping thing.. at any rate... I have one question to ask...

Why in the HELL isn't this on DVD??? For hell's sake, we've got Mariah Carey's films on DVD.. but we don't have one of Marty Feldman's greatest films on DVD??? This just goes to show that intelligence, taste and class has NO place in the film industry.. not really..

And the sick thing is.. I freakin love movies.. I could spend every day watching films all day.. good God.. Now I have another reason to believe my parents warped me..:) seriously..folks, whether you believe these comments or not (and if I listened to all of the comments on this site, I'd have missed some FAB films) give this movie a chance...and for GOd's sake..if you find it on video.. HOLD ON TO IT.. it NEVER shows up on telly and it isn't on DVD.. and by rights it should.. right alongside Young Frankie and the rest...

At any rate.. I owe Mr. Feldman a thank you.. he gave me some of the best laughs of my life..

Thanks Marty, you're long gone and can't read this.. but maybe your family can.. you gave me some of the best laughs I can remember.. and you didn't have to swear to do it.. thanks, man.. my life is truly better for having seen ya..

Sincerely, Mad Monica

I have been unsuccessfully chasing this movie for 20 yrs. I was 7 when i watched this movie and it has stayed with me since as one of the funniest movies ever. Marty Feldman was a genius.It has now been 31 years since i saw it and it is still as clear in my mind as yesterday. Anne Margaret plays the damsel in distress perfectly and if anyone is lucky enough to have a friend who owns a copy.. borrow it, you will be left with a feel-good smile for a while! If anyone could burn me a copy I would be happy to pay (but not a zillion dollars please...single mother of 3 and struggling!) email me please: iamemily12 at g mail dot com. :)