This misconceived farce, directed by Peter Glenville, is based on the funny French play by Maurice Desvallieres and Georges Feydeau.
Alec Guinness and Robert Morley, two seasoned comedy actors, are wasted due to the inept transfer to the big screen.
While his wife is away tending to a sick friend, Benedict Boniface (Alec Guinness) has an affair with Marcelle Cot (Gina Lollobrigida), the pretty but neglected wife of the pompous architect Henri (Robert Morley). When Henri unexpectedly returns, Marcelle and Benedict don disguises and hide out.
The ensuing comedy of errors contains some funny sight gags and farcical bedroom situations (with opening and closing doors), for which playwright Feydeau is known.
Of the entire cast, only Peggy Mount is effective, as Guinness’s domineering wife.
The film’s running time is only 96 minutes, but it feels longer.
Cast
Alec Guinness as Benedict Boniface
Gina Lollobrigida as Marcelle Cotte
Robert Morley as Henri Cotte
David Battley as George
Ann Beach as Victoire
Marie Bell as la Grande Antoinette
Douglas Byng as Mr. Martin
Derek Fowlds as Maxime
Eddra Gale as Guest
Peter Glenville as the Playwright
Robertson Hare as the Duke
Darío Moreno as the Turk
Peggy Mount as Angelique Boniface
Leonard Rossiter as the Inspector
Akim Tamiroff as Anniello
