Arguably, films from the 1960s tend to date themselves more than films from other eras. John Goldfarb, Please Come Home is dated all around, but in this case, the aging process may have helped this minor but very amusing little comedy. Generally trashed by the critics upon its release, it has a greater appeal when seen today, perhaps because the topical "downed pilot" plot isn't as controversial as it was in 1964. But there's also a pleasure in seeing this kind of lowbrow spoof, filled with outrageous gags, stock caricatures, and frenetic slapstick -- especially when it's done as a moderately budgeted flick that doesn't take itself too seriously. (The names of the characters -- Goldfarb, Heinous Overreach, Miles Whitepaper -- are typical of the enjoyable MAD Magazine-level humor that permeates the movie.) Peter Ustinov turns in a true whopper of a performance -- huge and hugely enjoyable, eating up the scenery in the best fashion. Shirley Maclaine and Richard Crenna can't match him, but they're enjoyable, and the supporting cast of familiar character actors is a treat. Titanically silly, Goldfarb is no great film, but it's very fast and very funny, and it makes for an entertaining way to pass an hour and a half.
by Craig Butler
review
