Carlton-Browne of the F.O.

Carlton-Browne of the F.O. is a British comedy film released in 1959. The movie stars Terry-Thomas, Peter Sellers, and Luciana Paluzzi. It was directed by Roy Boulting and written by Frank Harvey and John Boulting.

The movie is a political satire that takes a humorous look at British diplomacy and foreign relations. The plot revolves around the diplomatic efforts of the Foreign Office, and the focus is on the British diplomats who attempt to solve international issues using witty humor and sarcasm rather than force.

Terry-Thomas plays the role of Carlton-Browne, a suave and sophisticated British ambassador who is tasked with solving a political crisis in an African country. Carlton-Browne is joined by his head of mission, Manderlay (played by Peter Sellers), and a seductive Italian journalist named Gina (played by Luciana Paluzzi). Together, they must overcome the obstacles presented by the corrupt officials of the African country while avoiding international conflicts.

The movie has a storyline that is engaging and complex, but it is the witty and sarcastic dialogue that really stands out. The characters are well-crafted, and the acting is superb. Terry-Thomas and Peter Sellers, in particular, give some of their finest performances, and their chemistry on-screen is a joy to watch.

The film's humor is often dark and biting, and it highlights the absurd nature of diplomacy and foreign relations. The movie takes aim at the hypocrisy and corruption that often plague diplomatic negotiations, and shows how personal interests and political posturing can undermine important policy decisions.

One of the most memorable scenes in the movie involves an attempt to bribe Carlton-Browne with a suitcase full of cash. The diplomat is offered a bribe by one of the corrupt officials, and he responds by dumping the cash on the ground and presenting the bearer with an old British coin. The scene is emblematic of the movie's theme of using wit and humor rather than force or coercion to resolve conflicts.

The movie also features some impressive location filming, with the African country scenes looking particularly authentic. The movie was filmed on location in West Africa, and the effort put into the production is evident in the final product.

Overall, Carlton-Browne of the F.O. is an entertaining and engaging political satire that has stood the test of time. The movie's humor is sharp and biting, and the performances of Terry-Thomas and Peter Sellers are noteworthy. The film has an enduring legacy as a showcase of British comedy and satire, and it continues to be popular with audiences to this day.