Customer Reviews

Fiendish Plot of Dr Fu Manchu [VHS]

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THE FIENDISH PLOT OF DR. FU MANCHU [hereinafter "Fu"] is a diabolically, criminally funny spoof of the preceding Fu villain movies. The opening scene was foretelling. Sellers, as a vintage Fu, is celebrating his 168th birthday. His crowd of sinister lackeys are singing "Happy Birthday." Fu calls for his life sustaining elixer to have a swig which would carry him over for another year. The elixer is brought into the chamber by an extremely familiar servant. This servant . . . uh, er let's call him Kato for want of a better name . . . well his robe catches fire and he douses the flame with all of the elixer. Now, Fu must replace the diamond ingredient elixer by stealing a couple of rare diamonds. After stealing one diamond, the action swings into a Chinese Fire Drill version of Pink Panther. To stop Fu, retired agent Nyland Smith, played by Oriental expert Sellers, is brought out of retirement. An FBI agent, Joe Capone played by Sid Caesar, becomes part of the Scotland Yard scenery. It was his job to belittle the Brits and draw his gun on cue. Agent Smith decides that Fu will kidnap the Royal Family; that they needed doubles to perform Royalty's civic functions. Those doubles were recruited from the police force and had to audition for the role. As auditioning Constable Alice Rage, Helen Mirren, did an a la Shirley Temple tap-dance number, singing "On the Good Ship Lollipop." I nearly choked on my popcorn from laughing. She won the role of Queen. Later in the film, I doubled up while she sang, "Daddy Wouldn't Buy Me a Bow-Wow." In a scene memorable of Jules Verne--or Bond for that matter--Agent Smith flies his cottage by balloon entitled, "Spirit of Wiltshire." This was Seller's final movie. Too bad that many of his fans, including myself, missed this very funny one at the box office. And, for sure, Helen Mirren was a Wow.

"The Fiendish Plot of Dr. Fu Manchu" will not be remembered as one of Peter Sellers' finest cinematic achievements. However, it does feature a priceless Sellers performance. As detective Nayland Smith, he gives a beautifully detailed and touching portrayal - even better than his affectionate tribute to Fu Manchu. The 1980 film remains a hit-or-miss affair, yet boasts a good cast (particularly Helen Mirren as Constable Alice Rage) and vibrant Technicolor cinematography. Though it doesn't approach the heights of "Dr. Strangelove" and "Being There," the amusing "Fu Manchu" has a "Goon Show" spirit that seems more appropriate for a Sellers swan song.

This is a great movie!!! Why is it no one will put it on DVD???!!! The Pink Panther series is on DVD why not this one???!!!

THIS IS A GREAT MOVIE FROM OUR VERY TALENTED BORN ACTOR.
THIS MOVIE NEEDS TO BE EDITED IN DVD PLEASE !!!

This movie is one that will either become one of your favorites or will cause you to ask yourself why it was even made. The difference lies in your previous exposure to the "Fu Manchu" mystique. For those of us who have previously read of the "Yellow Peril" and the "Vast Underground Conspiracy" the movie is a wildly funny romp through a fictional world where every oriental is working to enslave the human race. For those who have not read the original works by Sax Rohmer many of the most hilarious scenes and comments will slip by unnoticed. It is still a very entertaining movie, however, and is well worth watching, if only for the outrageously campy ending.

Peter Sellers returns in a similar detective role as his Pink Panther series, but this time appears to be called out of retirement. He also gets the opportunity to play a double role as not only the detective but also the arch-criminal. This film is a spoof on both the Pink Panther series and the Fu Manchu films. Those who expect an perfect sequel to the Pink Panther series will be sorely disappointed. My only regrets is that this movie needs to be offered in DVD format. Most of the other Sellers films are now on DVD, and there is no reason why this in not also on DVD.

This movie is an enjoyable campy rompwith an ending that will make you grin...or groan. Peter Sellers Freewheels the part in one of his last movie roles. All Peter Sellers Fans should own this movie! It is pretty tongue in cheek and doesnt even take itself very seriously, but thats a plus!It can be a party movie....IF youre up for a challenge of your hosting skills.If youre an elderly asian guy who wants to take over the world This IS the movie for you! Many critics have been too harsh on this film. Granted it isnt the Greatest movie of all, but It does havethat Peter Sellers wit and style!

My parents hate this movie, and I don't know why. Peter Sellers is an actor beyond compare. This movie is one of the best evermade. It's a little campy but that's okay because that's what was intended!

The product came quickly, wrapped properly and the transaction was flawless. Thank you so much. Great vendor.

I luv'd this movie when it came out. I plan 2 live 2 b 120 years old. LOL