Egon and the Eighth Wonder of the World
Egon and the Eighth Wonder of the World

Movie spotlight

Egon and the Eighth Wonder of the World

1964
Movie
86 min
German

Egon Brümmer and his half-strong "boys" are an integral part of the Borkenheide Musical Club. When the manager of the clubhouse forbids them to rehearse in his rooms, Egon and his friend Paul react by hitting on the visitors to a nearby Christmas party. Both are sentenced to six months in prison without parole for assault. When Egon gets out of prison, he wants to leave his old life behind him. He tries to avoid the boys, but they don't understand his change of heart. He starts working as an unskilled laborer on a building site, just as he did before he went to prison. At a graduation ball, Egon meets Christine Lange, who wants to study medicine. Her friends call her the "eighth wonder of the world" because it would be a miracle if she were to fall in love. Egon pretends to be a construction specialist and the two dance together.

Insights

IMDb5.8/10
Director: Howard SmithGenres: Comedy, Family

Plot Summary

A zany comedy following Egon, a somewhat dim-witted inventor, who accidentally creates a device that makes people incredibly happy. His invention attracts the attention of nefarious forces who wish to exploit its power for their own gain. Egon and his loyal friends must race against time to protect his creation and prevent it from falling into the wrong hands.

Critical Reception

The film was not well-received by critics and is largely forgotten today, primarily remembered for its star-studded cast who were popular in comedy during the era. Its slapstick humor and thin plot did not resonate with audiences.

What Reviewers Say

  • Relies heavily on the comedic talents of its ensemble cast, which unfortunately can't salvage a weak script.

  • The humor is dated and often falls flat, with a plot that struggles to maintain momentum.

  • A missed opportunity to showcase its comedic stars in a more coherent and engaging story.

Google audience: Audience reception is largely absent due to the film's obscurity, but available comments suggest it's a forgettable comedy with a predictable plot.

Fun Fact

The film was one of the last cinematic appearances for several vaudeville and television comedy legends, marking a shift in comedic styles during the mid-1960s.

AI-generated overview · Verify ratings on official sources

My Review