A Fish Called Wanda

Ein Fisch namens Wanda
After a spectacular jewellery heist, infighting breaks out among the thieves. When the gang rats out its leader to police, London barrister Archie Leach signs on to defend him. But before his arrest, the kingpin has hidden away the loot from the robbery. Accomplice Wanda sets out to beguile Archie in the hopes of finding out where the jewels are stashed. And the uptight British lawyer is no match for the fine art of seduction as practised by the energetic American. His peace and quiet is at an end and, once he falls for Wanda, so is his physical safety. Because it turns out Wanda has a lover who is pathologically jealous – and nowhere near as dumb as he seems … Anarchic humour and British comedy traditions met in happy harmony in this film starring Monty Python’s John Cleese and headed up by veteran director Charles Crichton. American stars Jamie Lee Curtis and Kevin Kline brought speed and toughness to their roles, alongside a cosmopolitan spirit that helped make A Fish Called Wanda an international hit – not to mention a running patter of Anglophobe quips that their British counterparts countered with aplomb. World premiere of the digitally restored version.
by Charles Crichton
with John Cleese, Jamie Lee Curtis, Kevin Kline, Michael Palin, Maria Aitken, Tom Georgeson, Patricia Hayes, Geoffrey Palmer, Cynthia Caylor
United Kingdom / USA 1988 English 108’ Colour Digitally restored version 2017–19 Rating R16

With

  • John Cleese
  • Jamie Lee Curtis
  • Kevin Kline
  • Michael Palin
  • Maria Aitken
  • Tom Georgeson
  • Patricia Hayes
  • Geoffrey Palmer
  • Cynthia Caylor

Crew

Written and Directed by Charles Crichton
Story John Cleese, Charles Crichton
Cinematography Alan Hume
Editing John Jympson
Music John Du Prez
Sound Chris Munro
Art Director John Wood
Costumes Hazel Pethig
Assistant Director Jonathan Benson
Producer Michael Shamberg

Produced by

Prominent Features

Additional information

DCP: Park Circus, Glasgow, restoration carried out by Arrow Films.