Panic Button (1964) in Color — Starring Maurice Chevalier & Eleanor Parker

Panic Button (1964) — Buy This Classic in Color

Discover Panic Button, the 1964 comedy directed by George Sherman and starring Maurice Chevalier, now available as a professionally colorized version. A businessman comes up with a scheme to make money by financing a film version of “Romeo and Juliet” that’s destined to fail, thus giving him some major tax breaks. This witty comedy satirizes the film industry, tax loopholes, and the absurdity of business schemes gone wrong. Set against the backdrop of European filmmaking, the film combines humor with social commentary on the intersection of art and commerce. Own this classic movie in color as a DRM-free MP4 digital download for just €15.00.

Plot Summary

A businessman comes up with a scheme to make money by financing a film version of “Romeo and Juliet” that’s destined to fail, thus giving him some major tax breaks. The plan is simple: produce a terrible film that will lose money, allowing the businessman to write off the losses against his taxes and come out ahead financially. The scheme seems foolproof, but as with all best-laid plans, complications arise.

The businessman assembles a cast and crew for his doomed production, hiring actors and filmmakers who are unaware of his true intentions. The production of “Romeo and Juliet” becomes a comedy of errors as the businessman tries to ensure the film’s failure while the cast and crew attempt to make a respectable movie. The contrast between the businessman’s sabotage efforts and the genuine artistic aspirations of the filmmakers creates humorous situations and escalating chaos.

As the filming progresses, the scheme begins to unravel. The film unexpectedly starts to show promise, threatening the businessman’s tax write-off plan. The businessman must escalate his efforts to sabotage the production, leading to increasingly desperate and absurd measures. The film builds to a climax where the businessman’s scheme is exposed, and he must face the consequences of his fraudulent plan.

Cast & Crew

Director: George Sherman

Stars: Maurice Chevalier, Eleanor Parker, Jayne Mansfield, Mike Connors, Akim Tamiroff

Why Buy This Classic in Color?

Panic Button was originally filmed in black and white, with cinematography that captured the colorful world of European filmmaking and the comic chaos of the disastrous production. This professionally colorized restoration enhances every scene with frame-by-frame precision, from the glamorous film sets to the beautiful European locations where the movie-within-a-movie is filmed. The colorized version reveals new visual splendor in the film’s settings, where the period-accurate film equipment, costumes, and European scenery gain authenticity that transports viewers to the 1960s film industry. Maurice Chevalier’s legendary charm and sophistication shine even brighter in color, while the film’s comic chaos gains additional visual impact through the vibrant palette of the colorized restoration. Now also available in colour.

Buy Panic Button in color today for just €15.00. Your DRM-free MP4 download is available for instant access.

Historical Significance

Released in 1964, Panic Button represents the cinema’s engagement with the business side of filmmaking and the satirical potential of comedy to critique corporate culture. The film was released during a period when the film industry was undergoing significant changes, with the rise of independent production and the increasing influence of international co-productions. The film’s satire of tax loopholes and business schemes reflects the era’s fascination with the intersection of art and commerce.

Maurice Chevalier, the legendary French entertainer, brings his trademark charm and sophistication to the film. Chevalier, who had been a major star since the 1920s, represents the old-world elegance that contrasts with the crass business schemes at the heart of the film. His presence connects the film to the tradition of European sophistication that Hollywood often romanticized.

The film’s release during the 1960s reflects the decade’s growing skepticism about business practices and the increasing visibility of tax avoidance schemes. The comedy’s satirical edge speaks to the era’s social consciousness and its willingness to question authority and expose corruption. Through modern colorization, this witty comedy reaches new audiences who can appreciate its satirical take on the film industry, its clever plot, and Maurice Chevalier’s enduring charm. Now also available en couleur.

Technical Details

• Format: MP4 / MKV digital download
• Resolution: HD 720p
• Colorized: Professionally colorized from original black and white
• Audio: English original mono
• Runtime: 88 minutes
• DRM-free: Yes — watch on any device
• Instant download: Available immediately after purchase
• Price: €15.00

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Movie-Specific Questions

Q: Who stars in Panic Button?
A: Maurice Chevalier stars in the film, with supporting performances by Eleanor Parker, Jayne Mansfield, Mike Connors, and Akim Tamiroff.

Q: What is the plot of Panic Button?
A: A businessman schemes to finance a doomed film version of “Romeo and Juliet” to get tax write-offs, but his plan goes awry when the film unexpectedly shows promise.

Q: Is Panic Button a comedy?
A: Yes, the film is a comedy that satirizes the film industry, tax loopholes, and business schemes, with humor arising from the chaos of the production.

Digital Download Questions

Q: What format is the download?
A: The film is delivered as MP4 and MKV files that play on virtually any device.

Q: Is there DRM on the file?
A: No. The download is completely DRM-free so you can watch it on any device without restrictions.

Q: How quickly can I watch after purchase?
A: Your download link is available instantly after payment, so you can start watching within minutes.

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