Start the Revolution Without Me

Start the Revolution Without Me (1970) starring Gene Wilder, Donald Sutherland, Victor Spinetti. Directed by Bud Yorkin. Two pairs of twins, switched at birth, grow up to be the noble De Sisi brothers -- and a pair of peasant brothers -- in 1789 France. Wilder and Sutherland both play dual roles as half of each pair of brothers. It's a madcap, slapstick movie about the French Revolution, none of it to be taken seriously. The King of France, Louis XVI, is made out to be the biggest fool of all. Meanwhile, the evil Duke d'Escargot (Spinetti) plots to oust the king and take over the kingdom. The movie was filmed entirely on location in France, which gives it a considerable air of authenticity. It really is a non-stop laugh-fest. English subtitles are offered, but the closed captions are better. Grade: B+