Civilized and dryly witty, we can think of few 1960's films that rival this one in sheer high polish and gloss. Like the vehicle of the title, this movie's not only been washed, waxed and buffed to a dazzling gleam, it looks like its also been detail-cleaned with toothbrushes in all its nooks and crannies.....
That's the blessing part of it.........and the curse? It doggedly maintains its classy poise throughout, almost never shifting out of its 'Masterpiece Theater' low gear. Director Asquith holds the reins steady and firm, even during the film's middle segment, when he's wrangling three champion American scenery-chewers, George C.Scott, Shirley MacLaine and Art Carney.
Travelling through the lives of the Rolls' three owners, the first segment unfolds like a long, unpleasant deleted subplot from "My Fair Lady". Rex Harrison, in full self-absorbed, self-satisfied Henry Higgins mode, deflates into gloom when he catches his gorgeous French wife (Jeanne Moreau) and her lover having a roll in the Rolls' back seat. Everybody's dressed to the max and looks miserable.....pretty much end of story.
The middle tale has Chicago gangster Scott, henchman Carney and gum cracking moll MacClaine using the Rolls to tool around scenic Italy........where MacClaine falls under the spell of a beautifully sculpted gigolo (the inevitable Alain Delon, emanating his best soulful stares).......not much happens and the segment gives you plenty of time to contemplate what a waste of time this is for Scott, MacClaine and Carney.......
Finally we arrive at what the movie considers its signature, finale piece......in the early days of World War 2, the Rolls falls into the hands of a feisty widowed heiress (Ingrid Bergman) who helps a Yugoslav resistance fighter (Omar Sharif) battle the Nazis......
Sharif and Bergman make a decidedly odd but compelling romantic duo......and we wish Rattigan and Asquith had jettisoned the trilogy and simply made this story the whole movie......unlike the other two segments, it's got some heat, passion and romantic wit. A sad, missed opportunity.....they might have made a real movie here instead of a glossy travelogue......
But just as we would in a an automobile showroom, we'll admire "The Yellow Rolls Royce" for its various spiffy parts......including, before we forget, Riz Ortolani's jaunty theme music for the car.......we'll flash our headlights 2 & 1/2 times.........we only wish this vehicle gave us something a little more than a smooth ride.....
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