However, when George is able to relocate the diamonds before Wanda and Otto get their hands on them, Wanda and Otto must get involved in George’s pending litigation. Much to Otto’s chagrin, Wanda seduces George’s attorney, Archie Leach (John Cleese) to obtain information. From here, hilarity ensues.
More than anything, credit Cleese for a job well done. While on camera, he is in a handful of the story’s most memorable sequences. In writing the script, Cleese not only showcases witty dialogue and scenarios, but also makes it evident that he took pleasure in arriving at character names. His character, Archie Leach, borrows the actual name of actor Cary Grant. His character’s daughter, Portia, is played by his own daughter named Portia; and, even more humorously, Tom Georgeson plays George Thomason.
Truth be told: A Fish Called Wanda is genuinely riotous and comedic gold. There’s no difficulty in deciphering why it is considered one of the best comedies of the 20th century. It’s on par with This Is Spinal Tap, Some Like It Hot, and the Monty Python material. If that isn’t convincing enough, a doctor from Denmark literally laughed himself to death at a theatrical screening of A Fish Called Wanda; his heart stopped during the scene where Otto shoves “chips” up Ken’s nose. How’s that for compelling evidence that the film is drop-dead funny?
Article comments
1 - ostrova
Mr. Cleese's daughter is "Cynthia".
2 - Brandon Valentine
Thanks for the correction.
3 - Jen
This is one of my favorite comedies! In fact, I recently found a hilarious YouTube clip called "The Best of Otto" that I just had to add to my site. Great choice in reviewing it and your descriptions are priceless!