The Magic Christian is a 1969 British comedy film directed by Joseph McGrath and starring Peter Sellers and Ringo Starr, with noteworthy appearances by John Cleese, Raquel Welch, 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 an 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 . 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 have brief roles in the movie, many playing against type.
more