Twelve Plus One (1969)

Twelve Plus One Poster
Original Title: 12 + 1

Mario, a young philanderer, receives 13 antique chairs in a bad state by inheritance and decides to sell off them to get some money. Afterwards he gets to know that one of them contains documents worth a lot of money. So he begins an adventurous trip to regain possession of the chair. On the way he meets many strange people who would like to help or to swindle him.

Film Overview
"Twelve Plus One", also called "12 + 1", is a British-Italian comedy movie launched in 1969, directed by Nicolas Gessner. The motion picture is a screen adaptation of the novel "The Twelve Chairs" composed by Ilf and Petrov. The comedic plot included an amazing treasure hunt, covering the theme of greed and the pushing desire for high-end and wealth that people often face. The main cast consists of Sharon Tate, Vittorio Gassman, and Orson Welles.

Plot and Narrative Structure
The story opens with Mario Beretti (Vittorio Gassman), a lovely Italian rogue in London, discovering the death of an abundant auntie in Italy. In her will, she exposes that she has concealed a fortune in jewels in one of twelve Bentwood chairs that she owned. Convinced, Mario sets off to Italy, identified to discover the precious gems. On his method, he comes across the personal secretary of his late aunt, a lovely American lady. The movie keeps the audience engaged with the development of Beretti's hunt for fortune, his resourcefulness, and quirky appeal.

Characters and Performances
Vittorio Gassman played the main character of Mario Beretti with comical energy and flair, showing his character's strong desire for wealth and his unwilling yet growing love for the American secretary, Pat. Deftly represented by Sharon Tate, Pat supplies more than simply appeal; her intelligence and wit exist in parallel to Beretti's street-smart acumen. Their connection evolves through the motion picture, using a satisfying romantic subplot with a comedic edge.

Orson Welles played the function of a stage magician and conman, Markau, who ends up being Mario's rival in the treasure hunt. Welles' representation of Markau brought a strong, energetic onstage presence, often turning the plot's stress into a source of humor and enjoyment.

Production and Reception
Originally entitled "Una su 13" in Italy, the film 'Twelve Plus One' was the final movie of Sharon Tate, infamous for her tragic life story. Tate's role in the motion picture was finished few months before her devastating end, bringing an uncommon touch of sadness to the lively film. The movie was initially planned to be a comedic piece however ended up resonating more as a black funny due to Tate's unfortunate death.

The production value of the movie was sensible for its time. It profited from its central European settings, showcasing an artistic array of visuals from London to Italy, which boosted the motion picture's total beauty.

Twelve Plus One was met with a lukewarm reception upon its release. It carried a distinct mix of humor, thriller, and appeal, caught in between British wit and Italian luxury. In spite of its engaging narrative and strong performance from the lead cast, it didn't leave an indelible effect on the audience. Regardless, it now works as a notable artifact in movie history due to its tragic ties with Sharon Tate.

Conclusion
In the entire, "Twelve Plus One" stands as a distinct representative of 1960s funny. Highlighting on the themes of greed, desire, and human connections, the movie wove funny situations with a treasure hunt. The noteworthy efficiencies by Vittorio Gassman, Orson Welles, and the terrible link to Sharon Tate's life makes it a considerable movie that catches an age.

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