Statue of limitations

There aren’t so many movies dedicated to statues. We've already posted on Tony Hancock’s horrific efforts and Michelangelo’s David pops up regularly although usually as a bit player. Perhaps the only true statue picture is one uncannily titled The Statue. Made in 1971 by ex TV director Rod Amateau, it featured a five and half meter statue of British comedian David Niven, well most of him anyway. 

As this movie was made in the UK and in the early seventies, no one will be surprised to hear that the story revolves around Niven’s (well Niven’s character Alex Bolt’s) penis, its size and authenticity. The film’s advertising slogan was, “Dedicated to the proposition that all men are not created equal” and that gives you a pretty good idea of what goes on throughout its 84 minutes. 

In a perfect tweet then: Famous linguist Bolt gets the Nobel Prize. Pissed off wife makes celebratory statue using stunt penis. The hunt is on. The CIA get involved.

The critics were not kind, “For fans of misguided celebrity-studded trash, it doesn't get much better than this.” For sculpture lovers, two thumbs down.

Images: Bottom right Niven's gift statue. Bottom left and above scenes from the movie with Niven in various startled poses