THE FIENDISH PLOT OF DR FU MANCHU
US, 1980, 100 minutes, Colour.
Peter Sellers, Helen Mirren, David Tomlinson, Sid Caesar, Stratford Johns, John Le Mesurier.
Directed by Piers Haggard.
Not a great comedy, not even particularly good. Peter Sellers' final film has him doing what he did best, an assortment of characters, voices and parodies. Not only is he the 168-year-old power and immortality-hungry Fu, but also his traditional British adversary Neyland Smith. With in this are two more impersonations: an English salesman and an Elvis-type rock star. These comic turns are not always consistent but have their moments. The rest of the cast, Helen Mirren and David Tomlinson especially, work hard but tend to get lost along with Sid Caesar. The plot is parody of the popular adventure stories and works well spasmodically.
1. Peter Sellers' comedy style? His impersonations, humour, asides? The tradition that he built up? His impact in his last film?
2. The popularity of the Fu Manchu stories? The arch villain, the British detective? The exotic Chinese- Mongolian locations, period England? The serious presentation in books, plays, films? The possibilities for satire and spoof? Satirising types, cinema styles, issues?
3. The quality of the production? The difficulties with Peter Sellers' illness? Colour photography, lavish sets, re-creation of period? The musical score? The elaborate choreography of the credits sequence? The rock music presentation at the end?
4. The humour of the screenplay: the introduction to Fu, the build-up of Bach's music and the mountain locations changing to 'Happy Birthday Fu'? The problem of the elixir vitae? The setting for the robberies? Fu in London? Neyland Smith and his retirement? The auditions for the substitute for Queen Mary? The situations? The balloon-flying and the climax? The comedy in the Elvis Presley parody ending? The potential for comedy? Success?
5. Peter Sellers and his skills in impersonating Fu Manchu? The contrast with his performance as Neyland Smith? His impersonation of Mr. Rotten? Insight into character, the humorous aspects of the serious?
6. The background of villains: the tradition of oriental villains, the racist remarks made as parody of racist attitudes of the past? The mystique of the oriental villain wanting world power? The exotic Asian hideaway? The contrast with the Chinese restaurant in London?
7. The satire on the British - Avery, Scotland Yard, his inept nephew? The Keeper of the Crown Jewels and his greed? The bumbling attitude of the British, good form, royalty, drinking tea?
8. The contrast with the Americans, the F.B.I. and the skit on Al Capone and the Italians? American types in contrast with the British?
9. The background of royalty - the auditions for Queen Mary? Alice and her dancing, saxophone-playing? The episodes in which she impersonated Queen Mary: the Kew Gardens, the several kings and queens at the theatre, the visit to the antiquarian? The character of Alice as policewoman, enjoying her role, arrogance, her capture, her infatuation with Fu and joining him? The comedy sequence of her capture, the satire on the British policewoman?
10. Neyland Smith and his investigations, his presence at Kew Gardens, observation of the Chinese disguised at the theatre? The discussions at home? The visits to the restaurant? His servant? The balloon and the flight to Mongolia?
11. The character of Fu - as a type, his impersonation of Mr. Rotten? The electric shock sequences? His singing with Alice? The contrast with Peter Sellers' more serious style as Neyland Smith - the initial eccentricities, deafness, the lawn mower? His gradually becoming more ordinary? The quiet hero and his confrontation of Fu at the end? Peter Sellers' slowness of manner, tired presentation?
12. The purpose of satirising such 20th. century classics? The reliance on the entertainment value of the originals? The enjoyment of the exaggeration - of character, attitudes, situations?
