Monkeys, Go Home!

Monkeys, Go Home! is a 1967 family comedy film directed by Andrew V. McLaglen and written by Maurice Tombragel. The film showcases the supreme talent of Maurice Chevalier (as Father Sylvain), alongside Dean Jones (as Hank Dussard), and Yvette Mimieux (as Maria Riserau). The film, produced by the world-renowned Walt Disney Productions, presents an affectionate mix of humor, drama, and fun for the entire family to sit back, unwind and enjoy infinitely.

The storyline centers around Hank Dussard (Dean Jones), an American who inherits a fruitful olive farm in the heart of Provence, France. Dussard is unconventional and bright, his mind constantly churning with innovative ideas. When he realizes that running the estate by himself would be next to impossible, he comes up with the inventive idea to recruit four chimpanzees from a NASA surplus and train them to pick the olive trees on his inherited farm. Dussard's project, as humorous as it sounds, was not only an attempt to automate his olive picking business but also his contribution to providing monkeys with a meaningful existence beyond just being test subjects in scientific experiments.

Maurice Chevalier portrays Father Sylvain, a jocular and kind-hearted priest who serves as a moral compass in the province and provides an amusing contrast to Dussard's modern and unconceivable ideas. The priest is continually skeptical about Dussard's antics – be it his unconventional idea about using monkeys as laborers or his interactions with the local women.

Yvette Mimieux performs amazingly in the role of the radiant and outgoing Marie Riserau, the local grocer's daughter. She holds her own ground between Father Sylvain's traditionalist views and Dussard's progressive ideas and inevitably ends up building a charming connection with Dussard.

A handful of local townsfolk create an array of fascinating supporting characters in the film, combining classic Disney-style slapstick humor and intrigue. The multitude of reactions from the townsfolk to the protagonist's outrageous idea brings heart and depth to the story.

The film goes beyond being a simple comedy and leisurely highlights the socio-economic features of the time as well. The movie cleverly portrays the town's agitation against Dussard's outlandish concept of newer methods of work which they construe as a menace to their traditional work structure.

In the midst of the droll happenings and constant upheaval, the movie beautifully captures the picturesque scenery of Provence. From the lush olive orchards swaying in the breezy winds to the traditional provincial houses evoking the charm of French rural life - the cinematography by William E. Snyder immerses the viewer into the enchanting rustic allure of the French countryside.

The delightful score accompanied by upbeat and catchy tunes composed by Robert F. Brunner adds to the light-hearted and jovial flavor of the film. Moreover, the film provides some unforgettable slapstick comedic scenes around the mischievous chimps which are sure to tickle the funny bone of the audience.

Monkeys, Go Home! is a wholesome comic gem that uses traditional Disney charm to its fullest potential. Aided by the impeccable performances from the revered Maurice Chevalier, charismatic Dean Jones, and vivacious Yvette Mimieux, it delivers an eloquent satirical comedy that resonates with the viewers of all generations. Its unique storyline and humor, coupled with the marvelous backdrop of the French countryside, makes Monkeys, Go Home! a cinematic delight perfect for a cozy family movie night with a tub of popcorn.