Waltz Of The Toreadors (1962)

In 1910 England, a General (Peter Sellers) faces a less than desirable retirement. Unhappily married to a shrewish hypochondriac (Margaret Leighton) and with two annoying daughters (Prunella Scales, Denise Coffey), he is surprised when his French mistress (Dany Robin, TOPAZ) of 17 years shows up and demands he leave his wife and marry her. Based on the acclaimed play by Jean Anouilh (MADWOMAN OF CHAILLOT), Wolf Mankowitz' BAFTA nominated screenplay changes the emphasis from the darker bittersweet aspect of the play toward a more farcical element. Surprisingly, the opposing dramatic and comedic components balance each other out nicely. Despite being some twenty years too young for the part, Sellers does a commendable job in portrayal of an aging romantic who never grew up and finds himself at a crossroads he finds difficult to cross. Leighton brings some sympathy to her harpy, a woman turned bitter only because her husband turned away from her and found other outlets for amorous inclinations. Directed by John Guillermin (TOWERING INFERNO). With Cyril Cusack and John Fraser.