Up to His Ears (1965)

The farcical adventures of unhappy suicidal billionaire Arthur Lempereur.

Director:

Philippe de Broca

Writers:

Jules Verne (inspired by the book), Daniel Boulanger (scenario and dialogue)

Stars:

Jean-Paul Belmondo, Ursula Andress, Maria Pacôme

Cast

Complete credited cast:
Jean-Paul Belmondo	...	Arthur Lempereur
Ursula Andress	...	Alexandrine Pinardel
Maria Pacôme	...	Suzy Ponchabert
Valérie Lagrange	...	Alice Ponchabert
Valéry Inkijinoff	...	Mr. Goh
Joe Saïd	...	Charlie Fallinster
Mario David	...	Roquentin
Paul Préboist	...	Cornac
Jess Hahn	...	Cornelius Ponchabert
Jean Rochefort	...	Leon
Darry Cowl	...	Biscoton

Storyline

Turbulent, fast-paced comedy adventure (one of the best of its time) about unhappy billionaire Belmondo, whose suicide attempts keep failing. When he hires some killers to do him in, he falls in love with beautiful Andress and wants to reverse the deal. Belmondo is ideally suited to this role, exotic locations and lots of stunts make this a joy to watch. A worthy companion piece to the Bond movies of that time.

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Plot Keywords:

attempted suicide | friendship between men | airplane crash | release from prison | low hangers | 

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Taglines:

That Man from Rio is UP the Himalayas... UP the Yang-tze... UP in a balloon... UP-stage with a stripper... UP-town in Hong Kong... You can't keep a great adventurer DOWN

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Genres:

Adventure | Comedy

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Certificate:

Not Rated

Did You Know?

Trivia

Some of the scenes were shot in France, for example when you see snow. The snow in the Himalaya was inaccessible for the crew, one needed three weeks by foot to reach it. A small part of the team had been there but for the shooting it was too complicated. Some scenes were shot at the foot of the Himalaya and also at the world's highest monastery at 5000 m altitude. It was just not possible to get the whole crew there, because they needed to use a helicopter which could take only three or four persons a time.

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Goofs

Two insurance company agents get into an orange and black Hillman taxicab No.125, but they crash, being in a different car afterwards (black Ford Zephyr). Then they take the same taxicab again.

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Connections

Featured in L'Homme de Hong-Kong (2013)

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Soundtracks

Générique
Written and Performed by Georges Delerue Et Son Orchestre

User Reviews

Exotic adeventure not taking itself seriously

This film is very typical of the spirit of the sixties, a nice mixture of exotic adventure film, comedy and action. It seems not to be everyone's taste, but it's definitely my liking! The story is being driven at a frantic pace and Belmondo is completely in his element. He runs, jumps, and twirls in all directions. Some action scenes are still impressive by today's standards. Ursula Andress brings the necessary touch of charm and seduction and Jean Rochefort (without his legendary mustache) is impeccable in his role of faithful servant. The images shot on location in Hong Kong, India, and Nepal are a real treat and have a documentary value today. Ideally, watch it after the even better "the man from Rio", of which he does not quite reach the level, but constitutes a very pleasant and entertaining sequel. I recommend to watch it with your children and teenagers, the will love it!

Details

Country:

France Italy

Language:

French

Release Date:

4 December 1965 (France)

Also Known As:

Up to His Ears

Filming Locations:

Langkawi Island, Malaysia

Box Office

Budget:

$1,000,000 (estimated)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Les Films Ariane, Les Productions Artistes Associés, Vides Cinematografica

Technical Specs

Runtime:

104 min

Sound Mix:

Mono (Westrex Recording System)

Color:

Color (Eastmancolor)

Aspect Ratio:

1.66 : 1