June 15, 2014

Movie Night: A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum.


Review #594: A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum.

Cast
Zero Mostel (Pseudolus), Phil Silvers (Marcus Lycus), Michael Crawford (Hero), Jack Gilford (Hysterium), Annette Andre (Philia), Buster Keaton (Erronius), Michael Hordern (Senex), Leon Greene (Miles Gloriosus), Patricia Jessel (Domina), and Inga Neilsen (Gymnasia) Directed by Richard Lester (#541 - A Hard Day's Night)

Review
The movie begins and ends on the same song, "Comedy Tonight", which sums up the movie. The cast is exceptional, especially Zero Mostel, who is just as wacky and fun as he was in The Producers. The movie may be a comedy, but it's also a musical, and while the comedy dominates most of the time, the songs aren't that bad, and Mostel is a decent enough singer for these songs. I realize that I haven't covered Buster Keaton on this show before, but at least I finally get to say something about him (ironically in his last film role), and what I would say is that he is certainly noteworthy despite not having too much screen time, he delivers a chuckle or two. The movie has a good deal of fun lines and zany motion that makes a wild but fun film.

Overall, I give it 9 out of 10 stars.

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