Richard Lester

  • Richard Lester & Peter Sellers – The Running Jumping & Standing Still Film (1960)

    1951-1960Amos Vogel: Film as a Subversive ArtComedyPeter SellersRichard LesterShort FilmUnited Kingdom

    “Shot in two days, this wild early collaboration between Peter Sellers, Richard Lester (Hard Day’s Night), and Spike Milligan (of the Goon Show) is a perfect example of surrealist comedy. The various protagonists undergo ridiculous catastrophes, exaggerated non-sequiturs, and Keystonian mayhem in a sylvan setting. Produced at hardly any cost at all, it proves once again that talent is more important than money.”
    – Amos Vogel, Film as a Subversive ArtRead More »

  • Richard Lester – A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum (1966)

    1961-1970ComedyMusicalRichard LesterUSA

    Quote:
    Pseudolus is the laziest slave in Rome and has but one wish, purchase his freedom. When his master and mistress leave for the day he finds out that the young master has fallen in love with a virgin in the house of Lycus, a slave dealer specializing in beautiful women. Pseudolus concocts a deal in which he will be freed if he can procure the girl for young Hero. Of course, it can’t be that simple as everything begins to go wrong.Read More »

  • Richard Lester – The Three Musketeers (1973)

    1971-1980ActionAdventureRichard LesterUSA

    Synopsis:
    The young D’Artagnan (Michael York) arrives in Paris with dreams of becoming a King’s Musketeer. He meets and quarrels with three men, Athos (Oliver Reed), Porthos (Frank Finlay), and Aramis (Richard Chamberlain), each of whom challenges him to a duel. D’Artagnan finds out they are Musketeers and is invited to join them in their efforts to oppose Cardinal Richelieu (Charlton Heston), who wishes to increase his already considerable power over King Louis XIII (Jean-Pierre Cassel). D’Artagnan must also juggle affairs with the charming Constance Bonancieux (Raquel Welch) and the passionate Lady De Winter (Faye Dunaway), a secret agent for the Cardinal.Read More »

  • Richard Lester – The Four Musketeers (1974)

    1971-1980ActionAdventureRichard LesterSpainSpanish cinema under Franco

    Synopsis:
    D’Artagnan has become a Musketeer. Protestants hold La Rochelle, and the Queen loves Buckingham, who’ll soon send ships to support the rebels. Richelieu enlists Rochefort to kidnap Constance, the Queen’s go-between and D’Artagnan’s love. The Cardinal uses the wily, amoral Milady de Winter to distract D’Artagnan. But soon, she is D’Artagnan’s sworn enemy, and she has an unfortunate history with Athos as well. Milady goes to England to dispatch Buckingham; the Musketeers fight the rebels. Milady, with Rochefort’s help, then turns to her personal agenda. Can D’Artagnan save Constance, defeat Rochefort, slip de Winter’s ire, and stay free of the Cardinal? All for one, one for all.Read More »

  • Richard Lester – Help! (1965)

    1961-1970ComedyMusicalRichard LesterRock n' Roll MusicalsUnited Kingdom

    Synopsis:
    An Eastern cult discovers that the sacrificial ring is missing. Sir Ringo Starr, drummer of The Beatles has it; sent by the girl (who’s to be sacrificed) as a gift. Clang, Ahme, Bhuta, and several cult members leave for London to retrieve the ring. After several failed attempts to steal the ring, they confront him in an Indian restaurant. Ringo learns that if he does not return the ring soon, he will become the next sacrifice. Ringo then discovers that the ring is stuck on his finger. Its a race against time; John Lennon, Sir Paul McCartney, and George Harrison try to protect their friend while they’re all being chased not only by Clang and his minions, but also by two mad scientists and the Chief Inspector of Scotland yard. Will Ringo be saved, or will he be sacrificed?Read More »

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