John Goldfarb, Please Come Home! 1965
"A Wild Whirl of Wacky Fun!"
J. Lee Thompson's 1965 comedy *John Goldfarb, Please Come Home!* delivers a spirited Cold War satire wrapped in wacky football antics.
Director: J. Lee Thompson
Cast
Shirley MacLaine
Jenny
Peter Ustinov
Fawz
Richard Crenna
John Goldfarb
Jim Backus
Whitepaper
Scott Brady
Sakalakis
Fred Clark
Overreach
Wilfrid Hyde-White
Guz
Harry Morgan
Sarajevo
Patrick Adiarte
Ammud
Richard Deacon
Maginot
Frequently Asked Questions
What is *John Goldfarb, Please Come Home!* (1965) about?
The film follows American spy John Goldfarb, who crash-lands in a Middle Eastern kingdom and is forced to coach its football team to avoid being handed over to the Soviets. With the help of a resourceful reporter, he navigates a web of deception while plotting his escape from the absurd situation.
Who directed *John Goldfarb, Please Come Home!?
J. Lee Thompson directed the film, known for his versatility across genres including action and thriller.
Who stars in *John Goldfarb, Please Come Home!?
The movie features Shirley MacLaine, Peter Ustinov, Richard Crenna, and Jim Backus as key players in this offbeat Cold War farce.
Is *John Goldfarb, Please Come Home!* (1965) worth watching?
While not a cinematic masterpiece, its unique blend of Cold War satire and football comedy offers light, nostalgic entertainment. Fans of mid-century comedies or Peter Ustinov's wit may find it a charming curiosity worth a watch.
How long is *John Goldfarb, Please Come Home!?
The film runs for 96 minutes.
🎥 Trailer
About John Goldfarb, Please Come Home! (1965) — Cold War Comedy Meets Football Frenzy
J. Lee Thompson's 1965 comedy *John Goldfarb, Please Come Home!* delivers a spirited Cold War satire wrapped in wacky football antics. When American spy John Goldfarb crash-lands in a fictional Middle Eastern kingdom, his fate hinges on an unlikely deal: coach the national football team or face surrender to the Soviets. Teamed with sharp-witted reporter Jenny Ericson, Goldfarb navigates a high-stakes game of deception while plotting escape. Shirley MacLaine and Peter Ustinov bring razor-sharp charm to the absurd premise, blending political tension with slapstick humor. The film's playful tone and unexpected football twist make it a curious relic of its era—equal parts espionage farce and lighthearted adventure.
At its core, the movie thrives on the clash of cultures and the absurdity of Cold War politics, all wrapped in the frenetic energy of a sports underdog story. With its quirky cast and breezy runtime, *John Goldfarb, Please Come Home!* (1965) offers a nostalgic yet sharp take on an era obsessed with espionage and American soft power.
