La clinique en folie

You know, the film industry never fails to amaze me, the fact that they are quite willing to throw a lump of money at projects like "Where does it hurt?" Quite possibly it is the worst movie Peter Sellers ever made, and the lowest point he ever experienced in his career. "Where does it hurt?" really is the pits. Badly filmed, badly scripted, incredibly unfunny (a cavity search would produce more laughs!)and a true lesson in how NOT to make a film, I have to give points however to Peter Sellers for trying to do his best. Basically the premise of the film is a hospital run by Corrupt Sellers who is assisted by a team of money-greedy staff who basically try to get insurance money out of all the patients or something. Who knows? You're so busy fast-forwading it that the only rewarding part of it is returning back to your local video store.

I saw this movie when it was first run--in 1972, and it was just what the doctor ordered. At a stressful time in my life, Peter Sellers and crew provided for me a totally mindless romp that had me rolling in the aisle laughing. It may not be high art, but it did have something to say about the medical professions and ethics in general. Mr. Sellers, as always, played the part to perfection. I'll never forget Peter's line, "...damn broad tastes like tuna salad." The supporting cast was top-notch--the overall flavor was much like "Mash," and it is not necessary to point out where that story went over the following years. This movie provided my introduction to Jo Ann Pflug and to Pat Morita, both of whom remain on my personal list of favorites. Don't expect high art. I prescribe that you see it when you need to escape--if you can find a copy. Good luck.

One of my all-time favourite movies. At least, that's what I thought last time I saw it 25 years ago!

Unusually, the movie plot is an improvement on the book (originally called "The Operator" but renamed in line with the movie). The authors of the book were also the screenwriters and the took the opportunity to sharpen up the plot - changing the insurance investigator who comes to work out why this hospital has so many claims, into an innocent tradesman who is scammed into unnecessary medical attention so the hospital can take his house in payment.

As a Brit I was proud of Peter Sellers starring as an American in an American movie. I can only assume his accent passed muster - it sounded perfect to me.

C'mon studio - release it on DVD NOW!

I remember seeing this years ago, and have not heard any reference to it until now. Although it may be lowbrow & low quality for Peter Sellers, this was a movie of moments and would be excellent and very timely material for a re-make. Especially with so many cynical & mean characters around.

As I recall, Sellers is a doctor/administrator. Both he and the hospital exist to make money any possible way with no scruples. The plot follows one patient who checks in for some routine tests, lets slip that he owns a house and the bilking begins.

Seller's character also reimburses a colleague with a check that is returned by the bank. Putting it under a microscope, the words "Not Negotiable" are barely visible. "You accepted that check as payment! I owe you nothing," says Sellers.

It's more of a gem than it it gets (no) credit for.

My one line says it all. I still think of it a lot, actually I was beginning to doubt it it really existed or if I had mis-remembered the title. It was funny and I must have seen it in the Navy when I watched 2 movies or more a day on Guam in 1974-5. If you find it it is worth watching. J.