The Mouse on the Moon (1963)

A tiny country persuades the Americans and Soviets that they're starting a space program, when they really just want some money for new plumbing.

Director:

Richard Lester

Writers:

Leonard Wibberley (novel), Michael Pertwee (screenplay)

Stars:

Margaret Rutherford, Ron Moody, Bernard Cribbins

Nominated for 1 Golden Globe.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Margaret Rutherford	...	Grand Duchess Gloriana XIII
Ron Moody	...	Prime Minister Rupert Mountjoy
Bernard Cribbins	...	Vincent Mountjoy
David Kossoff	...	Professor Kokintz
Terry-Thomas	...	Maurice Spender (as Terry Thomas)
June Ritchie	...	Cynthia
John Le Mesurier	...	British Delegate
John Phillips	...	Bracewell - U.S. Delegate
Eric Barker	...	M.I.5. Man
Roddy McMillan	...	Benter
Tom Aldredge	...	Wendover
Michael Trubshawe	...	British Aide
Peter Sallis	...	Russian Delegate
Clive Dunn	...	Bandleader
Hugh Lloyd	...	Plumber

Storyline

Sequel to The Mouse that Roared; The Tiny Country of Grand Fenwick has a hot water problem in the castle. To get the money necessary to put in a new set of plumbing, they request foreign aid from the U.S. for Space Research. The Russians then send aid as well to show that they too are for the internationalization of space. While the grand Duke is dreaming of hot baths, their one scientist is slapping together a rocket. The U.S. and Soviets get wind of the impending launch and try and beat them to the moon.

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Plot Keywords:

1960s | soviet union | united states | cold war | plumbing | 

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Taglines:

Territorial claims to the Moon by the Grand Duchy of Fenwick can be substantiated by viewing the hilarious motion picture MOUSE ON THE MOON

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Genres:

Comedy | Romance | Sci-Fi

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Certificate:

Approved

Details

Country:

UK

Language:

Russian English

Release Date:

17 June 1963 (USA)

Also Known As:

Auch die Kleinen wollen nach oben

Filming Locations:

Pinewood Studios, Iver Heath, Buckinghamshire, England, UK

Company Credits

Production Co:

Walter Shenson Films

Technical Specs

Runtime:

82 min

Sound Mix:

Mono (Westrex Recording System)

Color:

Color (Eastmancolor)

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Although other characters from the earlier film appear (PM Rupert Mountjoy and his opposition leader Benter) David Kossoff, who played Kokintz, was the only principal cast member of The Mouse That Roared (1959) who returned to play the same role in this sequel.

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Goofs

In the beginning of the movie when the world is shown, it's spinning in the wrong direction.

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Quotes

Maurice Spender: I read your letter in the Times. Rushed over here post-haste.
Professor Kokintz: How nice.
Maurice Spender: I say. I'm extremely excited to see those Botherbinks.
Professor Kokintz: Botherbinks? Bobolinks.
Maurice Spender: No, that's what I said, didn't I? Bob... bob... bobolinks.

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Connections

Referenced in You Can't Do That! The Making of 'A Hard Day's Night' (1995)

User Reviews

pertinent to international politics even today...

There could do with some watching of films such as this in high offices in the US or indeed, in many other "world powers".

Pragmatism and a certain amount of humility might be learnt by those watching and a realisation that acts of domination aren't necessarily a good thing nor will they end in their intended way; are the basic premise of this film.

What it lacks in subtle finesse, it makes up for in it's universal humour and it's now poignant reminder that we can all be fools when we think first of ourselves and only later of the consequences for others.

A film made in 1963, more than 40 years old, still has a message for us today, a message that it seems many need reminding of.

Splendid farce and superb comedy moments and a jolly gripping tale to boot.

I'll drink champagne to that!