Cast overview, first billed only: | |||
Robert Morse | ... | Dennis Barlow | |
Jonathan Winters | ... | Wilbur Glenworthy / Harry Glenworthy | |
Anjanette Comer | ... | Aimee Thanatogenous | |
Rod Steiger | ... | Mr. Joyboy | |
Dana Andrews | ... | General Brinkman | |
Milton Berle | ... | Mr. Kenton | |
James Coburn | ... | Immigration Officer | |
John Gielgud | ... | Sir Francis Hinsley | |
Tab Hunter | ... | Guide | |
Margaret Leighton | ... | Mrs. Kenton | |
Liberace | ... | Mr. Starker | |
Roddy McDowall | ... | D.J. Jr. | |
Robert Morley | ... | Sir Ambrose Ambercrombie | |
Barbara Nichols | ... | Sadie Blodgett | |
Lionel Stander | ... | The Guru Brahmin |
Newly arrived in Hollywood from England, Dennis Barlow finds he has to arrange his uncle's interment at the highly-organised and very profitable Whispering Glades funeral parlour. His fancy is caught by one of their cosmeticians, Aimee Thanatogenos. But he has three problems - the strict rules of owner Blessed Reverand Glenworthy, the rivalry of embalmer Mr Joyboy, and the shame of now working himself at The Happy Hunting Ground pets' memorial home. Written by Jeremy Perkins {J-26}
There are few films I can recommend this highly. Morse is memorable as the hapless Englishman, trying to understand this peculiar American commercial funeral institution and the nearly fanatical devotees to the Jonathan Winters' Blessed Reverend.
The tawdry nature of the corporate funeral industry gradually unfolds in this fantastic study of our fixation with marketing everything, even death.
Jonathan Winters, Rod Steiger is brilliant as Mr. Joyboy, the effete chief embalmer, and the film features such huge talent as John Gielgud and Robert Morley as well as a cameos by Milton Berle, Roddy McDowell, Tab Hunter, and Liberace as the smarmy casket salesman. Look for a very young Paul Williams and...is that James Coburn? Yes, yes it is.
Be advised that there are some dubbing and sound issues common to films of this era, but if you're more concerned with a/v than story and humor, you should be off looking at...I dunno, something from George Lucas.
This film's greatest flaw is that it's hard to find on VHS and doesn't exist on the DVD.