The Last Remake of Beau Geste (1977)

7/10

Shopnowandsave12 December 2003

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.

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7/10

Marty Feldman Cracks Me Up

gavin694219 April 2013

The priceless Blue Water sapphire is coveted by the heirs of Sir Hector Geste: his new wife, Flavia; his daughter, Isabel; and his adopted twin sons, heroic Beau (Michael York) and pathetic Digby (Marty Feldman).

I love this film, and it fits perfectly in with what Marty Feldman is known for -- the comedy style he perfected with Mel Brooks. I also love how he came up with including himself in the Gary Cooper version, and even having footage from the older version still. This really was the "last remake". (At least, over 35 years on... no one has tried it.)

Spectacular comedy that can only be from Feldman and could only have been done in this era. Very much in the same style as "Young Frankenstein". I highly recommend this.

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6/10

Ann-Margret

melbea324 July 2009

this can be funny. it can be entertaining. it can be a rotten tomato. and it is true the second half slows down the story .but if your looking for story read war and peace. Marty Fledman is funny in smaller doses,as in young Frankenstien,here to much of a good thing. what this movie has is Ann Margret. plays a sexy hot step mom out to get her way and who would argue with this nasty gal.movie really needs to be on DVD. could ware out review and pause on Ann Margret alone.on that note i recommend this movie with my whole heart. my whole mind and soul. hot sexy nasty cigar smoking Ann Margret. I don't know what more an American boy could want.

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One Day on the Desert with Marty Feldman

victor.fernandes12 August 2003

When I saw the opening title sequence with the Universal logo spinning and Marty popping it up like a baloon I cracked myself up. I didn't know any of the actors when I first saw it when I was younger but as time passed by I began to realize how important Marty was to worldwide comedy. He was so funny on YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN but here is HIS own film and he can do whatever he feels like. I love Mel Brook's work but I this film is one of the first film-spoofs like TOP SECRET! and HOT SHOTS! The sequence where Marty escapes out of prision is a homage to Charlie Chaplin, doubtlessly. Michael York is a young hero but the gags all fall onto Marty. He's the funny one and gets all the attention. York is the sidekick, really. I really don't know how they managed to get a cross-eyed kid to play Marty as a child but the resemblance is remarkable. James Earl Jones is fantastic too as a desert bandit. Highly recommended for a few laughs!!!!!!!!!

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7/10

Beau Geste Satire!!

elo-equipamentos24 November 2017

Creative satire comedy from the fabulous Marty Feldman, with a stellar casting this movie is quite dated, but unprovided of interest, the googly eyes has many funny moments dignified and paved your career, Ann Margret was voluptuous than never adorn the picture, also Peter Ustinov plays a remarkable character undoubtedly funny with a lot of gags, this piece of art deserves a second chance on DVD release!!

Resume:

First watch: 1990 / How many: 2 / Source: TV-DVD-R / Rating: 7

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4/10

Well, that didn't age well

ofumalow14 June 2021

I thought this was hilarious at the time, and seeing again it 45 years later, I have no idea why. It's a series of really juvenile jokes that don't do much to spoof the target genre, wasting a good cast. Admittedly, Feldman had the film taken away from him by Universal, which drastically recut it--supposedly his own original cut was more absurdist and funny in a Monty Python-esque way. But the release version that somehow struck me as great in 1977 now seems pretty lame--energetic, but hobbled by weak lowbrow humor. I suppose I shouldn't have been surprised, because it never had that great a reputation. But still, it was disappointing to have it fall so far short of my recollection.

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8/10

"Screw faster, Boldini!"

Nielz4 May 1999

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.

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4/10

Ribald movie spoof from a fan of old Hollywood...

moonspinner551 January 2008

Marty Feldman directed and stars in this satire of adventure movies of the 1930s, yet his cheerfully lewd sense of humor can be felt in the screenplay as well (he's only given a story credit, though some of the sex jokes seem to have come straight from his warped mind). Adopted twin brothers, heirs to the fortune of the ailing Sir Hector Geste, compete with their lascivious stepmother over ownership of a priceless sapphire, leading to a showdown in North Africa. Feldman uses his googly-eyed craziness for all its worth, though he is generous with the other players, particularly a winking, naughty Ann-Margret and a bemused Henry Gibson. The humor, though no more raunchy than a "Benny Hill" sketch, is a bit embarrassing however; Feldman is from the old school of British comedians, and he hammers home tired schoolboy gags as if they were uproarious (one joke, involving the opening of dual locks on a safe, seemed to get the biggest laugh, though the sniggering staging here is merely juvenile). Feldman's pacing and comic rhythm are fine, but prudish viewers need not apply. ** from ****

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10/10

I thoroughly enjoy this film & found it to be a hilarious surprise.

plasticwindow27 November 2000

On accident, I picked up this oddly titled movie from the comedy section of my local video store, just hoping for a mildly entertaining flick for my boyfriend and I to sit down for the evening to. Now, it has proved itself to be one of our favorites. Marty Feldman was a great actor and I am continuously searching for more of his work. This movie is at the top of my list right next to The Producers.

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4/10

Not as funny as it thinks it is

Sergiodave3 March 2022

I admit to not being a great Marty Feldman fan, but considering the impressive cast, I gave this movie a try. I did laugh out loud 2 or 3 times, but mostly I squirmed in my seat at the bad, very childish humour. I'm a lover of madcap comedy like The Goons and Monty Python, but this was just poor.

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1/10

Awful

superdave_985 March 2007

I saw this when it first came out many years ago. What I can remember about it are two things:

1/ I was NOT amused,

2/ it remains to this day (in my 50 years) the ONLY film in which I thought it was so AWFUL I walked out (after just 30 minutes or so) and angry that I wasted good money on it.

I enjoyed films like Young Frankenstein and similar genre comedy like Blazing Saddles. But this film was just stupid and not funny like the above two in any way whatsoever. Sorry, but "STUPID comedy" just doesn't tickle my funny bone. It may however appeal to those who find "Terrence & Phillip" to be funny.

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8/10

This movie is hilarious, wish it was on DVD!

otto426 June 2005

I had not seen the original Beau Geste, with Gary Cooper in the title role, when I saw this movie. After seeing this movie, including a *hilarious* 'cameo' of Gary Cooper, I watched the original. It only made me appreciate the humor in the Last Remake even more. The Last Remake (were there ever previous remakes?) parodies the story completely, but every other scene makes you laugh. The scene with Gary Cooper would almost certainly not be allowed on TV today due to censorship so you'll have to buy this movie on, ick, VHS to see it. But at a time when new releases are $10+ to see not including popcorn, paying about $20 for a VHS of this movie, and being able to show it to friends and watch it over and over, is worth it. Trust me on this :).

"So that's why you talk so slow Big G."

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10/10

"Still Alive and Dying..."

Cornonthecobb14 April 2006

Warning: Spoilers

Warning: This will probably contain some spoilers.

Okay, Marty Feldman is an underrated genius of comedy. If all you've ever seen him in is "Young Frankenstein", then I suggest you look for some of his other work, if you enjoyed him in that. This film, was his first turn in the director's chair, and I'd say he does a wonderful job.

The beginning of this movie, with Marty Feldman coming out with a hat that says "Universal Studios Prop Dept." and picking the letters off off the spinning globe that is their logo is hilarious! Feldman plays Digby, the "twin" brother of Michael York's Beau, who is the big shot hero. I think York and Feldman have a certain chemistry about them, they played off each other well. Ann-Margret has the title role of their stepmother, which is quite humorous in itself.

Their father remains on his death bed throughout the whole film and the running line is always, "How is father?" to be answered with, "Oh he's still alive and dying!" Another wonderful scene is Feldman's tribute to silent comedies. Digby's jail escape is done in total old school silent film style, and the transformation from color to black and white and then back to color again is well done. It's really quite funny. A real highlight.

There's a lot of funny lines, a lot of absurd humor, on the whole...a good time.

So, as I said earlier, if you enjoyed Marty Feldman in "Young Frankenstein", you should really check out some of his other work. These works, in my opinion, show that he not only was a very hilarious comedian, but also could actually act as well.

8/10

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8/10

A wonderful memory

spookydude13916 April 2006

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

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8/10

Outlandish Cast

adisondewit8 November 2005

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".

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9/10

Desperate to get hold of a copy of this movie

iamemily1220 January 2011

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. :)

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10/10

I finally Figured out that this is the movie that had my friend and I in tears with laughter!

Kermittreefrog20 April 2007

Warning: Spoilers

OK, First I have to say that about 15 years ago my friend and I were flipping through channels and we stopped on a channel (AMC I think) and found a movie that was so bizarre and so hilarious we couldn't take our eyes off of it to flip to the TV guide channel to see what it was, and by the time it was over we were in tears because 1) it was the funniest thing we ever saw and 2) we had no way of knowing what it was called which probably meant we would never be able to watch it again. So after sifting through many several movies after many man years I came up empty, that is until a few days ago when I typed in a search engine the one line I happen to recall from this comedic masterpiece. yes I had typed in this same line once before and I got nothing, but this time, GOLD! after putting in Quotation marks the line "Still alive and dieing" I found this site! in which 1 of your comments was that same quote. after seeing the name of the movie I typed in the movies name in the search engine and found more information on it, I believe this is it, Finally after years of thinking about it and wondering in agony what it was called. So I being a member of Net Flix tried to order it and to my dismay they don't have it. OMG I thought to myself, could this be true, after all this time of wanting to see it again and now I can't find it? So being the resourceful woman that I am, I went to EBAY, Truly a life saver!! After typing in the search for the movie I found that there were no copies that were selling for under $45.00 and that is for VHS. Could not believe it. But wait, there were some other choices picked up by the search that were not the full title or misspelled, and YAY, I found one. I bid on it with only 1 and a half days left on it and I got it for $10.00, What a steal! I haven't received it yet seeing as how I just paid for it last night but she shipped it today, so within a few days I will see, at last the most wonderful piece of movie art Hopefully,,,and will put my mind at ease after all these years. yay me! As for my friend who watched it with me she wondered for a long time what it was too, but we are no longer on speaking terms so she will have to continue to wonder, lol. Although I was thinking about calling her the other day just to tell her I found out, it would after all be cruel of me not to share this information, well, maybe I should,,, NAHHH! if you haven't seen the movie, I highly recommend it! and if you have seen it, see it again, you won't be sorry!! hope you enjoy it as much as we did!!

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10/10

Absolutely marvelous

bastedo11 June 2021

This film is one I first saw as a child and have not seen for many years. A wonderful comedy with a surprising cast. Over the top, but in a good way. If you haven't seen it and like the Carry On movies, Those Magnificent Men In Their Flying Machines, Tom Jones, and other similar comedies, you will love this one.

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8/10

I haven't seen it in years.

dreamnwish16 March 2006

It's been probably 20 years since I've seen this movie. At this very moment I'm watching Marty Feldman and Gene Wilder in "The Adventures of Sherlock Holme's Smarter Brother" on AMC. The super-funny/talented Madelyn Kahn (sp) is also in the film. Mel Brook's "History of the World: Part One" was on just before this.

Anyway, let's get to the point, shall we. Sorry.

I'd thought of Beau Gest some time ago, but never did any research on it, until tonight. If not for AMC's airing of the two movies I mentioned, I probably wouldn't have thought to search it now.

I don't remember the cross-eyed (cock-eyed?) kid in Beau Gest. Oh, my goodness! LOL! I bet I laughed, and was probably really surprised to see him too, way back then. I really hate that I can't remember more of it. The only scene I keep picturing is the two brothers sitting or lying on the beach, or what seems to be a beach. Not a lot to go on, is it? I guess this means I need to try and rent it or buy it. I know I'll laugh a lot.

Marty Feldman was an absolute trip in "Young Frankenstein". When he told the doctor "Walk this way. No, I said walk *this* way." and Gene mimicked the walk. Funny! I've always thought that Marty was very funny, but had no idea that he was responsible for Beau Geste. What a great piece of information. I'm glad I searched for the movie information.

Once I view the film again (after 20 years), I'll come back with a more decent review.

Thank you for sharing your review. It makes me want to get the movie even more.

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No a positive review

aramis-112-80488015 February 2024

If you haven't seen "Beau Geste" (one of me favorites) with Gary Cooper or read the classic novel of the same name (one of my favorites) you don't need to. This movie uses the name but it's self-evident. The plot is merely a clothes line for stringing together the sort of jokes that closed Vaudeville.

I have a robust sense of humor, even on spoofs of things I like. But I don't need to reveal my creds to say this movie is abysmal. The only reason I didn't give it a star rating is that one is as low as one may go.

But since I try to look for the good in everything I'll start by saying the cast is miraculous, containing many of my favorite actors.

Feldman does one neat trick in a modest way that Woody Allen ripped off wholesale for one of his flicks. If you're unfamiliar with Gary Cooper it won't work anyway.

And he had a few touches of brilliance, such as the Sergeant's moving scar.

Okay, on with the deconstruction. The script looked like it was hammered out on a typewriter (they used those, then) over a drunken weekend by sniggering college freshmen.

Feldman could be very funny, but no comedian is better than his material. According to his erstwhile writing partner from the 1960s, Barry Took, Feldman's standup career foundered because he relied too much for laughs on his being wall-eyed. Did he do more than one script, and did it ever occur to him that relying on cheap boob and filth jokes might not be best for comedy on this level? For himself, he always seemed to rely on cheap humor.

That might not have been so bad, had the jokes been good. They are not.

Despite some wonderful sets and costumes and one of the greatest casts ever, the whole mess looks cheap and quickly done.

Very well, the studio recut the picture and if Feldman had been given a free hand and final cut it would be a comedic "Lawrence of Arabia" (it is largely set in the desert). But I can't review intentions, only what exists. And what exists is a bloody awful mess. If you like it, that's your business. I hated it.

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