That Riviera Touch

That Riviera Touch, first released in 1966, showcases the legendary comedic duo of Eric Morecambe and Ernie Wise, often referred to as Morecambe & Wise, in a feature film that takes the pair on a whirlwind adventure through the notorious and glamorous French Riviera.

The story begins with Eric and Ernie, two working-class lads from London, battling the everyday grind of traffic wardens and dustmen. They leap at the chance to move away from their monotonous lives after being duped into believing they've inherited a posh Riviera hotel, which sets the stage for a series of delightful antics and slapstick comedy scenarios that the pairs are renowned for.

Their dreams of becoming the hotel’s proprietors are swiftly dashed when they discover that they have been hired as lowly hotel staff rather than inheritors of the esteemed establishment. Regardless, they embrace the roles with their signature enthusiasm and humour, often leading to hysterically disastrous results. As they interact with the hotel’s high profile patrons and their immediate settings, their lack of sophistication and polished manners become apparent. Yet, it's their rough-around-the-edges charm that makes them increasingly endearing.

Unbeknownst to them, the hotel is also a hotbed for international jewel thieves who are on a mission to steal an invaluable diamond. As the plot thickens, Eric and Ernie unwittingly find themselves entangled in the criminality that unfolds around them. The thrilling crime subplot adds an element of suspense and intrigue to the comedy, skillfully avoiding the cliché narrative arcs often associated with slapstick comedies of the era.

Throughout their misadventures, they encounter a series of colourful characters who contribute to the hilarity of the film. Among them is a stunning femme fatale played by Suzanne Lloyd, whose allure and charm add an extra layer of complexity to the storyline. The duo's interactions with the sultry Lloyd result in several comedic exchanges and sequences.

Director Cliff Owen expertly utilises the Riviera's lush and glamorous atmosphere to contrast the film’s protagonists with their surroundings. The picturesque French Riviera serves as an elegant backdrop for the light-hearted farcical humor of the main characters. The high-class, extravagant surroundings serve to highlight the innocence, naïveté, and hilarious ineptness of the main characters.

The film significantly benefits from the undeniable chemistry between Morecambe and Wise, their timing and comedic rapport proven by their longstanding partnership on stage and screen. It's remarkable to see how their comedic personas remained consistent with what audiences have famously known them for, Eric being the mischievous, child-like one and Ernie, the mature and more serious counterpart. This witty interplay provides for a series of misadventures and hilarity throughout their convoluted journey.

Yet, amidst the backdrop of crime, intrigue, and comic chaos, the film also subtly hints at social commentary, subtly drawing attention to the economic disparity and class differences prevalent both at home and abroad.

Moreover, the soundtrack of the film, reminiscent of the swinging '60s, adds an extra layer of liveliness and zest to the comical escapades of Morecambe and Wise.

In addition to the central performances, the film boasts a diverse supporting cast featuring a slew of familiar faces from British film and television. The supporting cast enhances the overall comic value of the movie, each contributing their unique comedic timing and presence to the narrative.

With its blend of slapstick humor, thrilling crime mystery, and a touch of social commentary, That Riviera Touch is a lighthearted, fast-paced comedy. The film displays the comedic genius of Morecambe and Wise, transporting their celebrated humour from the TV screen to a full-length feature film, all precipitated by an unforgettable adventure in the glitzy French Riviera.