The Mouse That Roared (1959) Watch Online Free
The Duchy of Grand Fenwick decides that the only way to get out of their economic woes is to declare war on the United States, lose and accept foreign aid. They send an invasion force (in chain mail, armed with bows and arrows) to New York and they arrive during a nuclear drill that has cleared the streets.
The Mouse That Roared is a satirical comedy directed by Jack Arnold, based on Leonard Wibberley’s 1955 novel. The film follows the absurd and humorous tale of the tiny European Duchy of Grand Fenwick, a nation facing economic ruin due to the counterfeit production of its famous wine by a U.S. company. In a desperate bid to solve its financial troubles, the country’s government, led by Prime Minister Count Rupert Mountjoy (played by Peter Sellers), concocts a plan to declare war on the United States, expecting to lose and thus receive foreign aid.
Grand Fenwick’s military leader, Tully Bascombe (also played by Sellers), leads a ragtag army of soldiers armed with medieval weaponry on a journey across the Atlantic. The plan is for the Duchy to surrender immediately upon landing in the U.S., ensuring a quick defeat and a hefty foreign aid package. However, the situation takes a comical turn when their invasion coincides with a U.S. nuclear drill, and the tiny nation inadvertently captures a powerful nuclear weapon. This unexpected turn of events sets off a series of misadventures that threaten to escalate the situation beyond anyone’s control.
At its core, The Mouse That Roared is a parody of Cold War politics, particularly the absurdity of the arms race and the global power dynamics of the time. The film humorously critiques the international relations and the way small nations often find themselves caught in the crossfire of larger geopolitical conflicts. The idea of a tiny, almost comically insignificant country challenging a superpower through sheer accident highlights the absurdity of war and the often arbitrary nature of political power.
The film also explores themes of international aid, the ironies of war, and the unexpected consequences of military action. The comedic elements of the film serve to underscore the absurdity of these serious issues, suggesting that sometimes, nations may find themselves in conflict for reasons far beyond their control or understanding. The film uses humor to critique the establishment, playing with the notion that small nations might inadvertently find themselves in powerful positions by sheer accident or misunderstanding.
The Mouse That Roared was a significant contribution to Cold War-era satire, offering a lighthearted yet sharp commentary on the global political climate. It resonated with audiences due to its clever writing, which poked fun at the serious issues of war, foreign policy, and economic dependence. The film’s portrayal of the U.S. as an unwitting superpower, vulnerable to the whims of a tiny, medieval nation, also reflects the skepticism many had toward the unchecked power of superpowers during the 1950s.
Peter Sellers’ performance, playing three distinct roles—Grand Duchess Gloriana XII, Prime Minister Count Rupert Mountjoy, and military leader Tully Bascombe—was widely praised for its versatility and comedic brilliance. His ability to portray such different characters with ease added a layer of depth to the film’s humor, making it more than just a simple farce.
After watching The Mouse That Roared, you will likely feel amused and entertained by its witty satire and absurd situations. The film’s playful critique of power dynamics and international relations will leave you reflecting on the absurdities of global politics. You’ll likely appreciate the cleverness of the plot, as well as Peter Sellers’ exceptional comedic performance. Overall, the movie provides a lighthearted escape while still offering a sharp commentary on serious issues. It’s the kind of film that will make you laugh while also causing you to think about the world in a different way
