DR. GOLDFOOT AND THE BIKINI MACHINE (1965). Director: Norman Taurog.Dr. Goldfoot (Vincent Price) uses robot versions of beautiful women to seduce and marry wealthy men so that the not-so-good doctor can enrich his coffers. His best robot, no. 11 or Diane (Susan Hart), mistakenly pursues agent 001/4 Craig Gamble (Frankie Avalon) of SIC (Secret Intelligence Committee, or something like that), until she realizes she's really after the rich Todd Armstrong (Dwayne Hickman). Craig has trouble convincing his boss and uncle, D. J. (Fred Clark of Hollywood Story), about the despicable plot even as Diane gets Todd to sign over virtually all of his assets. This spy spoof is bolstered by a fine and amusing performance by Vincent Price, as well as a smart and sexy one by Susan Hart [War-Gods of the Deep] -- Fred Clark is also good and Avalon and Hickman aren't bad, either. However, despite a few good laughs -- a funny bit involving a piece of ice and a woman's panties in a restaurant; a cameo by Annette Funicello -- the movie is way too silly and has a lengthy and tedious chase sequence at the end. Shots and sets from Price's Pit and the Pendulum are used for a sequence in which Goldfoot tries to kill Todd. The Supremes (!) sing a snappy title tune, but it's unlikely it ever turned up on a "best of" CD.
Verdict: Five laugh-out-loud moments but that's not nearly enough. **.
Love the claymation credits and the title song is memorable, but I tend to zone-out a few minutes after the story begins. Scenes almost appear to be improvised, with very dumb, unfunny slapstick being the apparent goal. But it's weird--such a solid cast trying so hard to sell it gives this a somewhat surreal legitimacy. Does that make sense? I guess I'm trying to justify why I still put this on every so often. I can't say I actually ENJOY it, but it seems like a funny movie (or ought to) if you aren't paying close attention. When I saw this in the theater, a guy fell asleep downrow of me and his snores got more laughs than the movie. The sequel is wretched and unwatchable, and I blame the atrocious comedy team of Franco and Ciccio for that one (I simply don't want to believe Mario Bava had anything to do with it).
ReplyDelete--Mark
Yes, it's hard to believe Bava would get involved but money is money. As usual Price is always enthusiastic and funny and his participation probably makes the movie seem better than it is. Your notion of a "surreal legitimacy" does make perfect sense! (I may borrow that term from time to time!)
ReplyDelete