Ed-Shullivan This is not a typical Peter Sellers comedy, but rather a very well written story that has Peter Seller's role as a retired singing bull fighter named Juan Bautista trying to clinch one last big pay day at a large live theater in Barcelona Spain. To achieve his ultimate goal, which is to become the headliner at a prestigious theater Juan agrees with the theater's owner, Francisco Carbonell, (played by Adolfo Celi) to bed the beautiful Olimpia Segura (Britt Ekland) within the next three (3) nights.For Juan to woo the beautiful Olimpia Juan comes up with an elaborate plan that requires Olimpia to meet up with a fictitious man of royal descent for a whack of money. Olimpia resists Juan's crazy but rich proposal for awhile but eventually she bends, and she agrees to meet this mysterious royal family member. Each time Juan sets up a meeting, the mysterious prince is a no-show, and Juan provides Olimpia with another far fetch excuse why the prince did not show up. Olimpia is a manipulative vixen herself so for Juan to be able to convince Olimpia that this so-called prince who is rich beyond one's wildest dreams really does exist, Juan's stories have to be believable. But it is not so much that Juan's stories that are so truthful, rather it is Juan's unique charm that catches Olimpia's attention and her fancy.The love tango that proceeds between Juan and Olimpia is what grabbed my attention as Juan's slow and unexpected romance of the beautiful Olimpia is not what anyone would have expected, but it does. At least Olimpia is smitten until she finds out she has been scammed. As the old saying goes "hell has no fury, than a woman scorned", so Olimpia determines a unique way of getting even with the lying Juan Bautista. To the bitter end, Juan remains a gentlemen, and a true singing bullfighter.I give the film a 6 out of 10 for being well written and unique in story line. Peter Sellers and Britt Ekland's performances were both above par and quite entertaining in their scenes opposite each other.

moonspinner55 In order to get a booking in Spain as a 'singing matador', Peter Sellers must first spend one hour alone with ravishing Britt Ekland, the local tease who has developed a bad reputation-in-reverse due to the fact she spurns all the men who desire her. Screenwriter David R. Schwartz adapted his own play, which began as the novel "Olimpia" by Burt Cole, but seems to have left out the heart of the story. Sellers and Ekland (real-life marrieds at the time) are both good, though neither has much of a character to play. The low-keyed film is so restrained, it may confound viewers hoping for a European farce. There are minor compensations: some of Peter's shtick, including a pantomime bit on the street, is funny, also the affected way Sellers pronounces 'Barcelona'. The sight-gag in the final act is successfully rendered, and Francis Lai contributes a beautiful bossa nova score. Still, the picture never really takes off, remains a rather glum and meandering vehicle for its star. ** from ****

Bob-45 "The Bobo" is NOT a laugh-out-loud Peter Sellers comedy. "The Bobo" IS likely Sellers most romantic film, a gentle love story well played by Sellers and then-wife Britt Ekland.Sellers plays Juan Batista, the "boob," of the title, a no-talent matador who aspires to be a singer. The owner of a large theater, (Adolfo Celi) offers Sellars a wager. Sellars can perform several weeks in his theater if he seduce Olympia (Ekland), the most desirable courtesan in Barcelona, who has rejected all of Celli's advances."The Bobo" has great music and scenery. Sellers and Ekland, unlike many real life couples, have great chemistry. The weakest element of the film is the comedy. However, the romance soars.WARNING: SPOILER While it seems most critics condemn the bittersweet ending, it seems entirely appropriate to me. Both Juan and Olympia are wiser for their experience, and have shared a bittersweet romance that will carry them into their years. Perhaps, someday they will meet again, and, who knows? After all, even courtesans retire.END SPOILER I give "The Bobo" a "7".

1lawyer Great movie which deserves to be available in DVD asap, if you know what I mean, and I think you do. Brit is probably the best looking blonde on the planet.This movie is unusual in that it has two levels of humor at least. Each viewing reveals more details and cultural humor regarding the "foreign" viewpoint. The Flamenco Dancer is great - she beats those on Collins Street hands down - in my opinion. This movie used to be shown on Television and was often listed locally as "The Blue Matador". The Scenery appears to be authentic, as opposed to being shot primarily in a studio. The color is excellent as is the focus of the VHS version. Very sharp and very clear photography. And it is a movie which can be viewed alone or in a group. The entire movie is UPBEAT.