The third and final comedy vehicle for popular British television duo Morecambe and Wise presented Eric Morecambe and Ernie Wise as two inept travelling toy salesmen who set off to Parazuellia, a Latin American banana republic in the middle of a revolution.
Unfortunately, Eric discovers he is an exact look-alike of Fernando Torres, the immensely popular, English-educated son of the former president who has been assassinated.
Eric is bribed to pose as Torres in exchange for a million pesetas (an easy decision considering the alternative was to be shot at dawn).
Unfortunately, as with all Eric and Ern endeavours, it’s not quite that simple . . .
Eric finds himself in control of the country and participating in official functions but he loses his script while making a speech on television and – taking matters into his own hands – promises the people no taxes, a 10-hour week, and six weeks’ holiday with pay.
General Carla (Margit Saad) and General Carillo (Virgilio Texera) are furious as they will have to keep Eric’s promises – unless they get rid of the dynamic duo.
And so Carillo gets Eric to sign “a small matter of state”. Carla appears and tells him he has just signed an order for his own assassination and the death of the three children of the just-deposed President Diaz.
An old retainer helps Eric live through his execution and Carla asks the pair to look after the Diaz children while she thwarts Carillo.
During a concluding battle, the revolution ends when the lingerie-clad Women’s Army install General Carla as the new president.
Eric, Ernie and the children are sent off to the border hidden in a hearse and the Diaz children guide them to their father’s hideout where ex-President Diaz is delighted to see them.
Despite the corny plot, this is highly entertaining comedy and shows that Morecambe and Wise had mastered their big-screen challenge after a disappointing start in their first two films.
Eric/Fernando Torres
Eric Morecambe Ernie
Ernie Wise General Carla
Margit Saad General Carillo
Virgilio Texera Sir John, British Ambassador
Cecil Parker Officer Juanita
Isobel Black President Diaz
Martin Benson Manuelo
Michael Godfrey Carmelita Diaz
Sue Sylvaine José Diaz
Henry Beltran Miguel Diaz
Tyler Butterworth Armandez
Sandor Elès Juan
Andreas Malandrinos Drunken Soldier
Victor Maddern Dr Pablo
Michael Gover Paco
Larry Taylor
Director
Cliff Owen
Video
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Unfortunately, Eric discovers he is an exact look-alike of Fernando Torres, the immensely popular, English-educated son of the former president who has been assassinated.
An old retainer helps Eric live through his execution and Carla asks the pair to look after the Diaz children while she thwarts Carillo.
