Start the Revolution Without Me

Start the Revolution Without Me was a 1970 comedy starring Gene Wilder and Donald Sutherland. The film was about two sets of twins (one born from aristocrats, the other from peasants) that undergo a bizarre switch at birth after the doctor delivering them confuses the two sets; he switches one twin in each pair so each couple will get at least one of their own children. Years later, on the eve of the French Revolution, hilarity ensues as each pair plays a role in the upcoming events.

Orson Welles introduces and narrates the film, which was produced and directed by Bud Yorkin just before he and executive producer Norman Lear created TV's All in The Family.

This film provides examples of the following tropes:
"Philippe: And what is the reward for this treachery?
 * Affectionate Parody
 * Artistic License: The film is somewhat of a parody of various historical works about the French Revolution, and is not particularly concerned with historical accuracy.
 * Clothing Damage: Christina keeps tearing at Mimi's clothes trying to find the birthmark to prove they're sisters, eventually leaving her completely nude.
 * The French Revolution: Which, we're continually reminded, takes place in 1789.
 * Hair Trigger Temper: Philippe
 * Identical Stranger: The two pairs of identical twins also perfectly resemble the other pair.
 * Ill Take Two Beers Too: When Escargot visits the de Sisis and lays out his plan for them to betray the King:

Escargot: Half of France.

Philippe: Hmm. (Beat) And for my brother?"


 * It's a Costume Ball, I Swear: Marie Antoinette humiliates King Louis by having him don a chicken costume for a palace ball.
 * Large Ham: Philippe. But it is Gene Wilder, what do you expect?
 * Medieval Morons
 * No Ending
 * Really Gets Around: Marie Antoinette
 * Separated At Birth / Switched At Birth: Of course.
 * Swapped Roles
 * Trap Door: The doctor at the mental hospital has one in his office.
 * Twin Switch
 * Upperclass Twit