That Riviera Touch

The English comedy team of Morecambe&Wise made only a few film appearances and never even tried to break into the American market as did their contemporaries Peter Cook and Dudley Moore. Having seen clips of their television work I can say that after watching That Riviera Touch they were strangely subdued for this film.

Eric Morecambe and Ernie Wise play a pair of traffic enforcement officers who decide to take an immediate holiday after ticketing Queen Elizabeth's own illegally parked vehicle. I guess that's one of the real perks of royalty.

When they get to the Riviera scheming Susanne Lloyd figures these two not too bright Englishmen are the perfect pigeons to hide and transport some stolen jewels. She's working for gang and another gang is also interested in the swag. Not to mention the authorities.

They convince Eric and Ernie to stay in a special villa that has trap doors and secret passages and tap water spigots that if turned the right way will kill you. A perfect place for a pair of tourist yokels.

The final scene with Eric on water skis and Ernie trying to rescue him is pretty funny and well executed. Still the film overall is not as good as some of the television material I've seen.

It's a good introduction though for American fans.