This character has caused controversy for a very specific reason.

On June 30, Arte will broadcast one of cinema’s most cult comedies, the film A fish named Wanda. Did you know that one of the characters caused controversy when it was released?

In 1988, the film was released A fish named Wanda directed by Charles Crichton is a real success. This legendary British American comedy from the 80s brings together four actors: John Cleese, Kevin Kline, Michael Palin and Jamie Lee Curtis. Among them, American film star Jamie Lee Curtis and two members of the famous comedy troupe Monty Python (Michael Palin and John Cleese). Between comedy and thriller film, the film cleverly mixes the two genres for a timeless result.

What are you talking about A fish named Wanda ?

This is the story of a big scam organized by a gang of four bandits. Among them, two British and two Americans team up to steal diamonds. Everything is going swimmingly until an old lady surprises them and is able to identify one of the thieves. From then on, each member of the gang tries to overtake the others to protect themselves and get their hands on the precious loot. Anything goes, seduction, attempted murder, torture, all always treated in a comedic tone. In the end, it’s not necessarily the good guys who win, and some sub-stories are as zany as the best Monty Python films. So many ingredients that makeA fish named Wanda a cult movie.

The character of Ken (Michael Palin) caused controversy

When we think about A fish named Wanda, we automatically think of the famous striptease scene performed by John Cleese? Initially this scene was to be played by Jamie Lee Curtis (Wanda) but it is ultimately the character of Archie who plays it, thus creating an unexpected comic effect. But another controversy arose when the film was released and it is linked to the character of Ken played by Michael Palin. Ken is a stutterer. The actor uses and abuses this disability to turn his character into shocking ridicule for thousands of people affected by this disorder. But behind this anecdote, the story is beautiful. Michael Palin, whose father was himself a stutterer, gave his name to a specialized center for people who stutter in London. He regularly supports the place with his presence and his actions.