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The Magic Christian (film)

The Magic Christian
The Magic Christian.jpg
Cover of the VHS release
Directed by Joseph McGrath
Produced by Denis O'Dell
Screenplay by Terry Southern
Joseph McGrath
Based on The Magic Christian
by Terry Southern
Starring Peter Sellers
Ringo Starr
Music by Ken Thorne
Cinematography Geoffrey Unsworth
Edited by Kevin Connor
Distributed by Commonwealth United Corporation
Release date
  • 12 December 1969 (1969-12-12) (UK)
  • 11 February 1970 (1970-02-11) (U.S.)
Running time
92 minutes
Country United Kingdom
Language English

The Magic Christian is a 1969 British comedy film directed by Joseph McGrath and starring Peter Sellers and Ringo Starr, with appearances by John Cleese, Graham Chapman, Raquel Welch, Spike Milligan, Christopher Lee, Richard Attenborough and Roman Polanski. It was loosely adapted from the 1959 comic novel of the same name by U.S. author Terry Southern.

McGrath's film adaptation differs considerably in content from Southern's novel. Relocated to London in the 1960s, it introduces a homeless orphan whom Sir Guy Grand picks up in a park and on a whim decides to adopt. The role was played by Ringo Starr and written with him in mind. The movie is often remembered for its song "Come and Get It" written and produced by Paul McCartney and performed by Badfinger, a Welsh rock band promoted by Apple Records. The lyrics refer to Grand's schemes of bribing people to act according to his whims ('If you want it, here it is, come and get it'). Thunderclap Newman’s "Something in the Air" is also prominent in the film's soundtrack.

British actor and dancer Lionel Blair was responsible for the film's choreography. A host of British and American actors (see cast) have brief roles in the movie, many playing against type.


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