Review of That Riviera Touch

Introduction

Morecambe and Wise need no introduction to British readers. From the start of their career in 1941, the quickly became on of Britain`s best loved comedy duos. Possibly best know to the DVD generation from their BBC show and various holiday specials, they worked in pretty much every area of that business they call "Show". In the mid-Sixties they made 3 feature length films. Made in 1966, "That Riviera Touch" is the second of the three and the pair had found their feet in making their act work across 90 minutes.

In the movie, the pair gives up their dull jobs as traffic wardens (after trying to give the Queen a ticket), Eric and Ernie decide to splash out on a trip to the French Riviera. However, they are soon involved in the scams and rivalries of two gangs of jewel thieves. Needless to say, hilarity ensues.

Video

The 4:3 video is surprisingly good. The image is crisp and detailed with the only real complaint being that the colours look somewhat washed out.

The cinematography is decent while stopping short of any real invention. Riviera locations are well used and the dank villa that the boys stay in has a good mock gothic look.

Audio

The sound is mono and is perfectly acceptable for a gentle Sixties comedy. The music by Ron Goodwin is an easy listening pleasure, with the eponymous theme being maddeningly catchy. Lounge!

Features

Just a trailer.

Conclusion

I never warmed to Eric and Ernie on TV. I don`t know why; I just didn`t find them funny. Thus, I was pleasantly surprised when I found myself enjoying "That Riviera Touch" - on BBC2, twenty odd years ago. I watched the other two as soon as I could and enjoyed them also, although not quite as much as Riviera. I`ve dipped into the movies every now and again and continue to be gently amused by them.

"That Riviera Touch" still works for me. It`s not roll-on-the-floor-while-roaring-with-laughter funny but there`s a happy smile every minute or so. The movie treads some of the same ground as espionage in exotic locations (well, the south of France was exotic in the Sixties) spoofs like the Matt Helm and Flint movies. However, it seems to have worn better than these. Sure, it`s still looks dated but the gentle comedy and the interplay between Eric and Ern still works.

The DVD looks fine and the music sounds smooth. The only thing to complain about is the lack of extras.

Harmless fun.