The Mouse on the Moon
The Mouse on the Moon ★★★ 1962
Sort-of sequel to “The Mouse That Roared” lacks the presence of Peter Sellers but maintains the whimsical tone of the original. The prime minister (Moody) of the Duchy of Grand Fenwick asks for American aid in setting up a space program. (Actually, he wants the money for indoor plumbing.) When it turns out that the local wine is actually rocket fuel, his amiable goof of a son (Cribbins) fulfills his lifelong dream of becoming an astronaut. The mild spoof of cold war politics lacks the anarchic spirit that director Lester has brought to “Help!” and his “Musketeer” films. 85m/C DVD . GB Margaret Rutherford, Ron Moody, Bernard Cribbins, Terry-Thomas, June Ritchie, David Kossoff; D: Richard Lester; W: Michael Pertwee; C: Wilkie Cooper; M: Ron Grainer.