The Umbrella Coup

Criticism first: The plot (or "plot") feels contrived and really doesn't make much sense. So, it's a good thing that they didn't care for sense but went for a quick-footed firework of gags instead - a bit like Airplane! from the same year.

Now, the pros: Most of the gags do work, slapstick as well as running gags, funny banter and visual gags. The rhythm is relentless, there's not a boring minute in this movie. But what makes it really shine is the excellent cast with lots of character faces - Gert Fröbe as villain "La baleine", Gordon Mitchell as a grumpy hit-man, Gérard Jugnot as a sideline booking agent, "Khan" the exotic bodyguard, Valerie Mairesse as love interest / police officer "Bunny" - and among them, Pierre Richard in his usual shtick as a harmless guy completely out of his depth but still self-confident to a fault - and chasing every skirt crossing his way while his enemies are dropping like flies. Recommended, just don't expect sense and blood but a lot of good-natured laughs. This really is a nice comedy!