Cast
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Margaret Rutherford
as Grand Duchess Gloriana XIII
Ron Moody
as Prime Minister Rupert Mountjoy
Bernard Cribbins
as Vincent Mountjoy
David Kossoff
as Professor Kokintz
June Ritchie
as Cynthia
Terry-Thomas
as Maurice Spender
John Le Mesurier
as British Delegate
John Phillips
as Bracewell - U.S. Delegate
Eric Barker
as M.I.5 Man
Roddy McMillan
as Benter
Tom Aldredge
as Wendover
Michael Trubshawe
as British Aide
Peter Sallis
as Russian Delegate
Clive Dunn
as Bandleader
Hugh Lloyd
as Plumber
Crew
Director
- Richard Lester
Producer
- Walter Shenson
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a science fiction narrative, The Mouse on the Moon explores potential technological and societal futures, raising important questions about humanity's place in the universe and our evolutionary trajectory. The film stands apart from other sci-fi works by presenting a vision that is both thought-provoking and visually distinctive.
Director Richard Lester brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to pacing and visual storytelling creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 1963, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of The Mouse on the Moon took approximately 17 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 85 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 113 minutes long.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 7 months to complete.
- The musical score contains over 49 unique compositions.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 3 weeks before filming began.
Historical Context
- In 1963, when this film was released:
- Social and cultural revolution was transforming Western societies.
- The Vietnam War was becoming increasingly controversial.
- The film industry was dominated by major studios, with independent cinema still in its early development.
How This Film Stands Out
While The Mouse on the Moon shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike The Princess Bride, which focuses more on action than character development, The Mouse on the Moon offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like The Great Dictator and The Prisoner of Zenda explore similar territory, The Mouse on the Moon stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: May 7, 1963
- Runtime: 1h 25m
Where to Watch
