Watch Mr. Topaze

Mr. Topaze is a British comedy film from 1961, starring Peter Sellers in the lead role of Auguste Topaze, a naive and honest schoolteacher who suddenly finds himself entangled in the corrupt world of politics and business. The film is directed by Peter Sellers himself, who made his directorial debut with the film, and features a talented cast of actors such as Nadia Gray, Herbert Lom, Leo McKern, Martita Hunt, and Michael Gough.

The film revolves around Topaze, a dedicated but struggling teacher who is fired from his job due to his uncompromising honesty. With no other prospects, he is lured into a job by the suave businessman Monsieur Muche (Herbert Lom), who hires him to teach his spoiled daughter, Ernestine (Billie Whitelaw). However, it soon becomes clear that Muche is involved in corrupt business dealings and has ulterior motives for hiring Topaze.

Despite his initial reluctance, Topaze finds himself drawn into the shady world of business and politics, where he soon realizes that honesty is a liability and the only path to success is to compromise one's integrity. As he becomes more and more involved in the corrupt dealings of Muche and his associates, Topaze struggles to maintain his moral compass and navigate the treacherous waters of high society.

Throughout the film, Sellers delivers an outstanding performance as Topaze, portraying him as a well-meaning but ultimately flawed character who is both sympathetic and comedic. The scenes in which he tries to assert his authority as a teacher, only to be humiliated by his unruly students or his conniving employer, are particularly memorable. The supporting cast also shines in their respective roles, with Nadia Gray delivering a standout performance as the seductive and manipulative Coco, Muche's mistress.

The film is shot in black and white, which adds to its old-school charm and cinematic appeal. The sets and costumes are also impressive, with the film capturing the elegant and sophisticated atmosphere of Parisian high society in the early 20th century.

Overall, Mr. Topaze is a delightful film that showcases Peter Sellers' talents as both an actor and a director. It is a satirical take on the corrupting influence of power and money, and the danger of compromising one's principles in pursuit of success. It is a must-watch for fans of classic British comedies and for anyone looking for an entertaining and thought-provoking film.

Mr. Topaze is a 1961 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 37 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.1.