The Last Remake of Beau Geste (1977)

33% of critics liked it
(9 reviews)
64% of users liked it
(666 ratings)

Beau Geste, the classic adventure story of a young man's dangerous journeys as part of the French Foreign Legion, becomes the subject of broad parody in this slapstick comedy. The original tale, best known to film lovers from William Wellman's 1939 classic, tells of several brothers who join the… More Beau Geste, the classic adventure story of a young man's dangerous journeys as part of the French Foreign Legion, becomes the subject of broad parody in this slapstick comedy. The original tale, best known to film lovers from William Wellman's 1939 classic, tells of several brothers who join the Foreign Legion after claiming responsibility for the mysterious disappearance of an invaluable family heirloom. Eventually, brothers Beau and Digby find themselves in conflict with their vicious commander, leading to a potential mutiny. The plot here is similar, with Michael York assuming Gary Cooper's role as Beau, and first-time director Marty Feldman co-starring as Digby. However, following the lead of former collaborator Mel Brooks, Feldman plays strictly for laughs, loading the story with jokes ranging from the satirical to the vulgar. A cast of notables keeps things lively, with Peter Ustinov and Ann-Margret mocking their own images as the sadistic commander and lusty Geste stepmother. ~ Judd Blaise, Rovi

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Rating, Runtime: PG, 1 hr. 24 min.
Directed By: Marty Feldman
Written By: Marty Feldman
Genres: Action & Adventure, Comedy

In Theaters: Jul 15, 1977 Wide
Studio: MCA Universal Home Video

Critic Reviews

Steve Crum, Kansas City Kansan
Attempt at Mel Brooksian humor gets lost in sand.

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Cast

            Ann-Margret as Lady Flavia Geste

            Marty Feldman as Digby Geste

            Michael York as Beau Geste

            Peter Ustinov as Sgt. Markov

            James Earl Jones as Abdul

            Trevor Howard as Sir Hector Geste

            Henry Gibson as Gen. Pecheur

            Roy Kinnear as Cpl. Bodlini

            Spike Milligan as Crumble

            Avery Schreiber as Used Camel Salesman

            Hugh Griffith as Judge

            Irene Handl as Miss Wormwood

            Sinead Cusack as Isabel Geste

            Philip Bollard as Young Beau Age 6

            Nicholas Bridge as Young Beau Age 12

            Bekki Bridge as Young Isabel

            Martin Snaric as Valentino

            Ed McMahon as Arab Horseman

            Ted Cassidy as Blindman

            Burt Kwouk as Father Shapiro

            Stephen Lewis as Henshaw

            Michael McConkey as Young Digby

            Gwen Nelson as Lady in Courtroom

            Henry Polic II as Capt. Merdmanger

            Terry-Thomas as Prison Governor

            Roland MacLeod as Dr. Crippen

            Val Pringle as Dostoyevsky
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