The Scoop:This campy tribute/parody of '50s B-movies starts with potential but quickly peters out. A movie producer (Tony Curtis) learns he needs to release a money-losing film in order to evade the IRS, and who should walk in the door but a nerdy kid (Dean Jacobsen) with his "opus," the movie of the title.
This, of course, is very reminiscent of the plot of "The Producers." But instead of spending much time exploring (or re-exploring) the possibilities in this storyline, most of the movie is given over to the film-within-a-film, which contains a few interesting satiric moments, but grows old quickly. The whole thing is mostly a failure, but worth a look anyway -- especially if you're a devotee of b-grade '50s sci-fi.
Features appearances by Patrick Macnee, Bobby "Boris" Pickett and Billy Barty.
Best Line:
"If you were a lobster man, would you go into a haunted house surrounded by hot springs?"
Side Note:
Curtis' role was originally intended for Orson Welles, who died before production began. Curtis later said that the only reason he took over the role was to have money to pay child support.
Companion Viewing:
"The Producers" (1968), "Ed Wood" (1995) and "The Lost Skeleton of Cadavra" (2001).
Links:
IMDb.
Take a Look:
The trailer:
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