Comedy Movies/Movie name

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Expert: - 9/24/2001


Question
In which movie did Peter Sellers and Sophia Loren sing the song "Goodness Gracious Me".

Answer
Dear Bobby:  As far as I can tell, Peter Sellers and Sophia Loren only starred together in one film, "The Millionairess," released in 1960.  It also starred Alastair Sim. It was directed by Anthony Asquith, and was based on a play by George Benard Shaw (who also did "Pygmalion," the base for "My Fair Lady").  The plot is about a rich woman (Loren)in London who falls for a humble Indian doctor (Sellers) who rejects her overtures.  Eventually they agree to a contest to see if she can live on almost no money, and if he can turn a small amount of money into a large amount.  Does this plot sound familiar to you?  I've not seen this film, so I don't know if Loren and Sellers sing this song in it, but I'm assuming they must, since I couldn't locate any other film in which they were co-stars. I hope this answers your question.

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Barbara L. Baker

Expertise

I am a professor of communication at a midwest university, who has expertise on subjects related to film. I can answer general questions on U.S. film comedy (especially satires of the 1960s and 1970s) and comic theory. I also could answer questions related to specific comic genres, such as comedian comedies, screwball comedies, "stupid" comedies, and so forth. The more specific you can make your question, the better (e.g. main plot details, main characters, possible character names, possible actors, how you viewed the show, etc.). I also need to have a release date (or range of dates, or at least the year you viewed the film). Please do not just provide a set of links to someplace else (e.g. imdb discussion threads). I am less able to answer questions about comedies from other countries, made-for-TV movies, and recent comic films and actors (although I would do my best to find out). I cannot answer questions about specific TV shows or series, "Our Gang" episodes, anime/magna or about film collectables. I generally cannot provide movie recommendations, since what I find funny others may not. Nor will I answer obvious homework (although I will point you to resources to help answer the question, if asked). I also can't help you find movie stars, or where to buy movie memorabilia, or tell you how to break into the business.

Experience

Course work in comedy films along with teaching about comedy films for several years; I've also conducted research into comedy films.

Education/Credentials
Ph.D. in Communication, emphasis in film and rhetoric

Awards and Honors
A dissertation award from a national organization plus various paper awards

Past/Present Clients
My students

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