The storyline is quite common: thieves conspire to steal a jewel. Check.
Niven, Wagner, and Cappucine are the thieves and their roles are adequately developed, but that is ultimately wasted. Sellers, the absolute high point - and only reason to watch, really - is the bumbling detective.
The problem is that the 113 minute runtime is 30 minutes too long. This tortoise loses the race - at least in 2011. Maybe it won in 1963.
The film is unevenly paced, thus providing opportunity for a well timed power nap. Niven's come on to the Princess, the masquerade ball, and a car chase are the three scenes that upset the pacing.
With so many characters competing for the spotlight, it is disruptive to the flow.
Again, Sellers is stellar. His comedic timing is efficient and without that, this celluloid "jewel" would be just a hunk of carbon.
Sellers gets a 10, the rest of the movie a -6, leaving it with a 4 rating from me.
Niven, Wagner, and Cappucine are the thieves and their roles are adequately developed, but that is ultimately wasted. Sellers, the absolute high point - and only reason to watch, really - is the bumbling detective.
The problem is that the 113 minute runtime is 30 minutes too long. This tortoise loses the race - at least in 2011. Maybe it won in 1963.
The film is unevenly paced, thus providing opportunity for a well timed power nap. Niven's come on to the Princess, the masquerade ball, and a car chase are the three scenes that upset the pacing.
With so many characters competing for the spotlight, it is disruptive to the flow.
Again, Sellers is stellar. His comedic timing is efficient and without that, this celluloid "jewel" would be just a hunk of carbon.
Sellers gets a 10, the rest of the movie a -6, leaving it with a 4 rating from me.