A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum

Starring:Zero Mostel, Phil Silvers, Buster Keaton, Michael Crawford, Jack Gilford, Annette Andre, Michael Hordern, Leon Greene, Roy Kinnear, Alfie Bass, John Bluthal, Pamela Brown, Patricia Jessel, Beatrix Lehmann, Frank Thornton, Peter Butterworth, John Bennett, Andrew Faulds, Jennifer Baker, Susan Baker
Director: Richard Lester
Studio: MGM (Video & DVD)
Product Type: DVD

Amazon.com

"Something familiar, something peculiar, something for everyone: a comedy tonight!" Those words from the opening song pretty much describe the menu in A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum, a frantic adaptation of the stage musical by Larry Gelbart and Burt Shevelove. The wild story, set in ancient Rome, follows a slave named Pseudolus (Zero Mostel, snorting and gibbering) as he tries to extricate himself from an increasingly farcical situation; Mostel and a bevy of inspired clowns, including Phil Silvers, Jack Gilford, and Buster Keaton, keep the slapstick and the patter perking. The cast also includes the young Michael Crawford as a love-struck innocent. This project landed in the lap of Richard Lester, then one of the hottest directors in the world after his success with the Beatles' films. Lester telescoped the material through his own joke-a-second sensibility, and also ripped out some of the songs from Stephen Sondheim's Broadway score. The result is a pixilated romp and very close to the vaudeville spirit suggested by the title--though anyone with a low tolerance for Zero Mostel's overbearing buffoonery may be in trouble. Oddly enough, amidst all the frenzy, Lester creates a grungy, earthy Rome that seems closer to the real thing than countless respectable historical films on the subject. --Robert Horton

Description

Something appealing. Something appalling. Something for everyone a comedy tonight! "One ofthe hottest burlesque shows that ever hit Broadway" (Time) comes to the screen showcasing the enormous talents of Tony AwardÂ(r) winner Zero Mostel, Phil Silvers, Jack Gilford (Cocoon), Buster Keaton and Michael Crawford (Broadway's "The Phantom of the Opera"). Featuring keenly clever tunes like "Comedy Tonight" and "Lovely," this wild Stephen Sondheim musical about a raucous gaggle of ancient Romans is a "flip, glib and sophisticated, yet rump-slapping bawdy and fast-paced look at the seamy underside of classical Rome through hipster's shades" (Variety).When a wily, witty, lying, lazy, cheating slave discovers that his master's son is in love with thegirl next doora virgin courtesanhe promises to help win her heart in exchange for his freedom. But the road to romance is blocked with stunning surprises, cunning disguisesand the wildest chariot race ever!

Customer Reviews:

Cornball alacarte.......2007-05-23

Fair to good comedy, but a long way from great comedy. Is it worth the buy ? maybe if your ready for some tall CORN, but definitely not a collectors edition. Buy it once, view it once but it will probably b a longtime before you would view it again, if ever ?

Not all Romans are as stuffy as Cicero.......2007-05-13

I grew interested in Roman history some years ago. A classical scholar friend introduced this movie to me. He said the movie is based on a form of Roman play called the farce. I laughed so hard that I almost failed to keep the dinner down. Jon Pertwee, who played Dr. Who, has a cameo appearance. I especially loved some of the music which just build on the mirth instead of interrupting it. If you think Roman history is all about bloody gladiators and stuffy speeches, watch this movie!

A delicious romp through Rome........2007-05-13

After seeing a local community theater production of this work, my daughter and I decided we had to see what Zero Mostel did with it. We were thoroughly entranced with this. It is funny and has some wonderful songs - Comedy Tonight and Everybody ought to have a maid are two great examples. It is just delightful. We recommend it to all.

Pure Musical Hilarity.......2007-04-22

This movie is by far one of the best comedy musicals of all time. Zero Mostel plays his role as Pseudolus excellently, and the songs that go along with the hilarious antics are amazing. One only needs to listen to the song "Everybody Ought to Have a Maid" and you will be rolling on floor in laughter.

Funny movie.......2007-03-30

Still one of the funniest movies I think I've ever seen. Do yourself a favor and rent it and see if you like it.

A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum [Region 2]

Average customer rating:

Cornball alacarte
Not all Romans are as stuffy as Cicero
A delicious romp through Rome.
Pure Musical Hilarity
Funny movie

A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum [Region 2]
Starring: Zero Mostel , Phil Silvers , Buster Keaton , Michael Crawford , and Jack Gilford
Director: Richard Lester
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Musicals & Performing Arts | Genres | DVD | Video

( F ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video
Similar Items:

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A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum (1996 Broadway Revival Cast)
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ASIN: B000127MCQ

Amazon.com

Customer Reviews:

Cornball alacarte.......2007-05-23

Not all Romans are as stuffy as Cicero.......2007-05-13

A delicious romp through Rome........2007-05-13

Pure Musical Hilarity.......2007-04-22

Funny movie.......2007-03-30

Still one of the funniest movies I think I've ever seen. Do yourself a favor and rent it and see if you like it.

Charlie Rose with Barry McCaffrey; Nathan Lane; Jim Wright (May 3, 1996)

Average customer rating:

Charlie Rose with Barry McCaffrey; Nathan Lane; Jim Wright (May 3, 1996)

Manufacturer: Charlie Rose
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

( C ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video

Description

Earlier this week, President Clinton announced a new anti-drug plan and named General Barry McCaffrey, America's most highly decorated soldier, point man. McCaffrey is the director of the Office of National Drug Control Policy and he talks to Charlie about an increasingly urgent problem in America and how he intends to approach solving it. Then, Nathan Lane is on to talk about his simultaneous Hollywood and Broadway successes. He is currently starring in A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum on Broadway and he can also be seen, starring opposite Robin Williams, in The Birdcage. Finally, in 1954, Jim Wright was elected to the first of 18 consecutive terms in Congress. He has known every American president from Eisenhower through Bush. He is on to share a bit about American History and offer his insight into the 1996 presidential election.

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