The Mouse That Roared
Director: Jack Arnold
Year Released: 1959
Rating: 3.0
Peter Sellers plays three different characters in this political satire - a small nation the size of Rhode Island (or smaller) picks a fight with the United States with the intent of losing the 'war' and receiving funding 'out of America's kindness.' It isn't so much funny as very dry and very clever - the scheme turns out to be more successful than anyone could have predicted (the twenty or so soldiers from this obscure country march into New York City wearing chain mail, reminding one of similar costumes in Monty Python and the Holy Grail). Fans of black humor or British comedy in general are probably the main ones who should take a peek at this - those expecting belly laughs or Preston Sturges will be disappointed.
