It's 1954 - the era of live television. A hapless production assistant is given the formidable assignment to keep his movie star idol, the alcoholic womanizing Alan Swann, out of trouble long enough so Swann can appear on the popular network show, "King Kaiser's Comedy Hour." Oscar-winner Peter O'Toole ("Lawrence of Arabia," "Goodbye, Mr. Chips," "The Stuntman") received his seventh Oscar-nomination for his hilarious portrayal of the Errol Flynn-like Swann. Mark Linn-Baker (TV's "Perfect Strangers") plays the production assistant while Joseph Bologna ("Citizen Cohn," "The Woman in Red") gives an outstanding performance as the Syd Caesar-like King Kaiser. With Jessica Harper ("Pennies from Heaven") and Laine Kazan ("Beaches"). Directed by Richard Benjamin ("Mrs. Winterbourne," "Racing with the Moon").
Fledgling comic Benjy Stone can't believe his luck when his childhood hero, the swashbuckling matinee idol Alan Swann, gets booked to appear on the variety show he writes for. But when Swann arrives, he fails to live up to his silver screen image. Instead, he's a drunken womanizer who suffers from stage fright. Benjy is assigned to look after him before the show, and it's all he can do to keep his former idol from going completely off the rails.
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EhhhFairly predictable and not particularly funny. O'Tooles acting is superb no doubt there, however the language and some innuendo's could have been left out of the script or on the cutting room floor. PG-13 would have been a better rating. The actors just didn't seem to mesh in this production like they do in others; they were acting, but not flowing. Not worth the ten bucks IMHO..Score: 2/5
2nd rate TV sitcom-style comedyThis is the sort of loud, silly, and infantile approach to comedy that is usually restricted to cheap and utterly forgettable sitcoms. For anyone with an IQ above 90, this movie is simply insufferable. As for myself, I could only watch this film a little at a time. If Mel Brooks had directed this rather than just produced it, and if he had been young enough to play himself, this might have been a good movie. It trots out gag after gag, each of which falls flat, prompting many viewers to imagine how funny they might have been if done properly. Frankly, the cast and director were simply not up to the task. Not at all. Linn-Baker turns in his extremely over-the-top performance, in which he substitutes yelling, mugging, and running about in exchange for actual comedic talent, which makes this a solid B-minus movie. In contrast, O'Toole's magnetic performance, despite the ghastly material, served him well. The only value in this movie is that, in O'Toole, it provides an excellent study of something that virtually no one has, which is genuine charisma. That is the one and only redeeming quality of this film. This is in the category of flims that, if there had been a better cast, script, director, and editor it could have been fantastic – which is like saying if one only had the right numbers they could have won the lottery. No winners here..Score: 2/5
"I'm not an actor!"The first part of what - for me - is one of the funniest lines in the movie. I agree with Roger Ebert (God rest his soul), this would be one of my 10 'desert island' movies..Score: 5/5
Just Brillant!I remember going to see this when it first came out and and loving it. It still stands up today and that is rare for a movie. Peter O'Toole is incredible and this movie is one of my all time favorites. Definitely in my top 5 comedies of all time..Score: 5/5
My Favorite PerformancePeter O'Toole was nominated for best actor Oscar for his role as Alan Swann and deservedly so. It truly is one of the greatest comic performances ever..Score: 5/5
O'Toole at his best.This film is a hilarious. The cast and script are amazing. First Review. CHECK OUT THE MUSICAL..Score: 5/5
Great movie!!!This as well steven spielbergs "1941" have to be the two funniest movies no one has heard of. its the story of a has been actor becoming a man with some great lines strewn throughout the whole movie. my personal favorite is from peter o'toole talking about himself, "the greatest erection in all of Europe." if you enjoy funny movies then u will most definately enjoy this one. so give it a try..Score: 5/5
Superb!Some years ago, Roger Ebert selected this as one of his ten "desert island" movies, and it's easy to see why. This is a love letter to a particular place and time - New York during the 1950's heyday of the Sid Caesar Show - and the clash of cultures between Hollywood (on the downswing) and television (on the upswing). The entire cast, which includes Joe Bologna, Lainie Kazan, Bill Macy, Lou Jacobi, Selma Diamond, and Jessica Harper, is wonderful. But the film revolves around the relationship between young comedy writer Benjy Stone - played by Mark Linn-Baker - and the swashbuckling, extravagantly alcoholic Alan Swann, played by Peter O'Toole, during the week of Swann's guest appearance on the "King Kaiser" television show. Their chemistry is extraordinary, and O'Toole shows himself to be one of the great comic actors of any era. It's interesting that while the (uncredited) executive producer was Mel Brooks, he went out of his way to bring in Richard Benjamin in his debut as a film director (Brooks' rationale to Benjamin: "We think you're sane.") The wonderful script, and Benjamin's very secure hand at the rudder, create the perfect setting for some absolutely brilliant comedy. But aside from the humor - and this is, above all, a very, very funny movie - there is a wonderful poignancy underlying all of the proceedings. If you're watching it for the 10th time (as I am, this weekend), you'll know what I mean. And if you've never seen it before, I envy you your first encounter. Enjoy!.Score: 5/5
A Mark Linn-Baker ShowcaseThis is one of the rare jewels that offers a great human story that will leave you laughing our loud! Mark Linn-Baker and Peter O'Toole are great together and Richard Benjamin made this movie to a point where you can feel the joys and frustrations that are felt throughout the movie. This is one movie that I can watch over and over again and truly enjoy..Score: 5/5
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(One of) My favourite comediesIf you like fast-paced, witty comedies full of old-fashioned pratfalls and goofy visual humour, you will laugh yourself silly. This is one of my favourite movies. Peter O'Toole is beyond hilarious as an Errol Flynn-type. Full of heart AND laughs..Score: 5/5
One of the best Comedies everThis movie is on My top ten list of funniest comedies of the 80s Peter O’Toole is a blast, He should of won the Oscar for best actor that year, lots of funny side characters very highly recommended.Score: 5/5
A real gem.The reviewer right before me summed it up great (imo). Fast paced, funny, well acted and with heart..Score: 5/5
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