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:

Stop shooting at our 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

Director Richard Lester's first film for United Artists Corporation.

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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

How an amusing film was spoiled

The story line of how the underdog can beat the big boys is well executed, and although this comedy is not hilariously funny the story moves at a sufficient pace to keep the interest levels up. A wonderful array of stalwart British comedy actors march through this film, including a cameo for Frankie Howerd in need of the new public convenience.

Where this film falls down, for me, is in Ron Moody's performance. His overacting singlehandedly turns this from potentially being a good film into one that can't be recommended. As if he were playing to a school of 5 year olds awaiting an episode of Crackerjack, Moody shouts and splashes and blusters his way aimlessly through this movie. Unfortunately he has a lead role. I'm no fan of Peter Sellers, but this film could have been so much more if perhaps the lead role had been given to John le Mesurier or Eric Barker rather than relegating them to small support roles.