That Man from Rio (1964)

My dad owned a 16mm print of this film after it came out in 1964. We watched it many times in our little theater. One of my favorite action films. Love Jean Paul Belmondo!!I also think the other actors were wonderful in the film as well. I wish they would show it on TCM more often.

Probably the best of the Bond spoofs that emerged in the 1960s, Philippe de Broca's live action version of a Tin Tin comic is a delight from beginning to end. Jean Paul Belmondo is a French soldier on leave who finds himself caught up in one far fetched situation after another as he tries to rescue girlfriend Françoise Dorléac from the evil clutches of kidnappers who've taken her to Rio in search of a valuable statue. The film hits the ground running and does not let up for breath as Belmondo swims, flies, runs, drives and parachutes his way all over Brazil. He battles faceless goons, barroom brawlers, poison darts and a even an alligator. There's undeniable chemistry between the two leads and the clever dialog is hilarious. Georges Delerue catchy music helps a lot and the supporting cast is great: Jean Servais; Adolfo Celi; Simone Renant. Ubiracy De Oliveira plays Sir Winston, a clever shoeshine boy who gets Belmondo out of more than one scrape.

A friend recommended this film to me, as I hadn't seen it and I enjoy spoof films. I was surprised that this film was, or is not, widely known, or admired. It is the kind of film that they just don't make anymore, a film that everyone can enjoy, with a handsome hero going through all sorts of fantastic adventures for the woman he loves. It seems unbelievable that some people have given this film a low rating for it has everything that a good film should have; a personable hero, fast-pacing and excitement. It is also very funny and, at times, very suspenseful, but it is also bright and breezy, with never a dull moment. It is the perfect film for everyone.It definitely get's a ten in my book. I will watch it again and again.

First of all, let me comment on a misconception in some other reviews: the "search for the lost treasure of an exotic civilization" plot predates Spielberg's Indiana Jones, Peck/Sharif's Mackenna's Gold, this Belmondo vehicle and even Franz Lang's 1919 Spiders. The creators of That Man from Rio clearly knew what they were doing when they decided to use this hoary plot and make gentle fun of it.Unfortunately, the execution is not particularly good. Indifferent camera work and a fatal lack of any "dramatic tension" sense make the movie more tedious than entertaining. In addition, Belmondo, who had had his big break four years earlier, isn't as sparkling as he could be just a few years later. You can tell he tries, though.Having said all that, there are a few good things that need to be said about the movie. The viewers are kept guessing whether A or B is The Bad Guy until the final revelation. A few moments during the obligatory bar brawl scene look fresh. There is a minor but amusing twist at the end of the jungle sequence.Mostly watchable -- although you may check your watch a few times -- so let's say 5/10.