A woman brings her son and husband to a tropical vacation spot for a little rest and relaxation. The only problem is that the husband has been dead for quite some time, and his wife had him stuffed and carries him everywhere with her. Complications ensue.
Acting
Rosalind Russell devours scenery as the unhinged mother.
Production
Jonathan Winters plays both corpse and narrator with deadpan glee.
Director
Richard Quine
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Based on Arthur Kopit's 1962 absurdist play; the title was so long theaters needed extra marquee letters. Rosalind Russell reportedly took the role as a favor to Columbia Pictures.
This flopped so hard it helped kill the 'sick joke' comedy trend of the mid-60s. Audiences apparently weren't ready for necrophilia played for yuks.
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Reactions from the web
My father was in the film. He was an extra.. he was the bell hop carrying a coffin... the guy in the front on the left
@ClaudiaReidthemessenger 14
RIP Robert morse 1931 2022
@nicolamcguinness8689 7
I've never managed to see this film but have surmised it must be one of the oddest ever made. Based on an Off Broadway play which was fairly successful. A relatively rare film role for the great Barbara Harris (who unfortunately did not have the best luck with her movie career. Ditto the equally wonderful Robert Morse.) I do love the unique pop soundtrack by Neal Hefti. I've played the RCA ST recording a lot and would like to hear how it's used in the film. But the film itself seemed to have vanished.
@RossCompose 4
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