Don’t Drink the Water (1969) – Nostalgia Central

Despite his wishes to holiday at their usual vacation spot in Miami Beach, Walter Hollander (Jackie Gleason), an outspoken caterer from Newark, is convinced to head off on a European holiday with his wife, Marion (Estelle Parsons) and adult daughter Susan (Joan Delaney).

En-route to Athens, their plane is hijacked and forced to land behind the Iron Curtain in the small (fictional) province of Vulgaria. When the Hollanders leave the plane to take some photographs, they are accused of spying.

Pursued by Inspector Krojack (Michael Constantine) and the Vulgarian military, the family take refuge in the American Embassy.

Unfortunately, US Ambassador Magee (Howard St. John) is temporarily absent and has left the Embassy under the supervision of his inept and slow-witted son, Axel (Ted Bessell).

The other “guest” at the American Embassy is Father Drobney (Richard Libertini), who has been sheltering there for six years.

Walter consistently inflames the situation, but his resolve to escape is strengthened when he discovers that Susan and the hapless Axel have fallen in love with each other. Walter already approves of Susan’s fiancé back home, Donald, who he considers to be very suitable son-in-law material – unlike Axel.

Meanwhile, Walter discovers that his catering business back home is involved in a number of lawsuits as a result of Sam (Phil Leeds) – the assistant he left in charge of the company in Newark – serving tainted meats.

The film is based on the hit play of the same name by Woody Allen.

The famous director and comedian was not happy with the treatment and decided to make his own made-for-television movie version in 1994, playing Walter Hollander himself, alongside Julie Kavner, Michael J Fox and Mayim Bialik.

Walter Hollander
Jackie Gleason
Marion Hollander
Estelle Parsons
Susan Hollander
Joan Delaney
Axel Magee
Ted Bessell
Inspector Krojack
Michael Constantine
Ambassador Magee
Howard St. John
Kilroy
Danny Meehan
Father Drobney
Richard Libertini
Chef
Pierre Olaf
Sultan
Avery Schreiber
Mirik
Mark Gordon
Sam Blackwell
Phil Leeds

Director
Howard Morris