An Americanization of a British farce about a group of second-rate actors touring in a sex comedy and their convoluted private lives. Wretched rehersals and equally disasterous preformances, backstage sniping, lovers' quarrels, and a beleaguered director all bumble along together. It worked better on stage, where it was a Broadway hit, but the actors at least have some fun with the material. Based on the play by Michael Frayn.
"And God said, where the hell is Tim?" TheWordman at 2009-09-21 11:16:50
Let me be clear: This movie isn't for all tastes--it's repetitive and slow in some sections.
That being said.. It's awesome and succeeds in cracking me up every single time I watch it!
One of the best ensemble casts I've seen in some time, each bringing their own distinctive blend of comedy to the piece. Most of these faces are masters of their craft, or at the very least, had a hand in decent situation comedies (The seasoned vets; Carol Burnett, Denholm Elliot--The familiar faces; John Ritter, Mark Linn-Baker, Marilu Henner-- and the unexpected taking a run at comedy; Christopher Reeve and Michael Caine)
Brilliant play within a play farce, and in my humble opinion, each go at trying to do the show with tragically hilarious results makes this film a laugh riot.
See it. At least once. You'll thank me (at best.).