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Monday, January 30, 2012

Who Is Killing The Great Chefs Of Europe? (1978)

While in Europe, the owner (George Segal) of a chain of fast food franchises tries to convince his ex-wife (Jacqueline Bisset), a gourmet pastry chef, to lend her name to his newest enterprise. But they become involved in a series of murders of the greatest European chefs and she fears she may be one of the killer's next victims. Based on the novel by Nan and Ivan Lyons and directed by Ted Kotcheff (FUN WITH DICK AND JANE). This scrumptious and witty piece of black comedy fluff is elevated by a marvelous performance by Robert Morley as the editor of a gourmet food magazine. Monstrously overweight (when he walks, he seems to lead with his belly), bellowing insults at underlings, his eyes glowing like diamonds at the thought of an epicurean meal, Morley dominates the film. Bisset is lovely as usual but Donfeld, who did her wardrobe, should be publicly whipped for the hideous garb he inflicted on her. The elegant lensing by John Alcott (an Oscar winner for BARRY LYNDON) show off the London, Paris and Venice locations and the Henry Mancini score gently nudges the film along. With Philippe Noiret, Jean Pierre Cassel, Jean Rochefort, Joss Ackland, Jacques Marin and Madge Ryan.

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