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M*A*S*H, Tootsie & God: A Tribute to Larry Gelbart (1998)
Larry deserved better.
Larry Gelbart was a lovely and brilliant man. Cleverness just poured out of his mind and mouth effortlessly. This special was taken from an interminable presentation at the WGA Theater, and all I can say is that Larry deserved better. The evening did contain one of Larry's best adlibs, though. Mel Brooks had just finished a manic hijacking of the evening, and Bill Maher had neither the skill nor the inclination to do much about it. Brooks had just finished demonstrating spit takes, so there were puddles all over the stage. Carl Reiner saw the need to bring the subject back to Larry, and asked him: "You've just seen a demonstration of comedy. What to you is the difference between comedy and wit?" Without missing a beat, Larry indicated the puddles on the stage and said, "Wit is dry." And now you have no reason to watch this awful special.
Bathtubs Over Broadway (2018)
Wonderful!
It's interesting, it's sweet, it's hilarious, and I cried at the ending. It's also beautifully made. See it at your earliest opportunity.
To My Great Chagrin: The Unbelievable Story of Brother Theodore (2007)
A brilliant film about a brilliant man
This is a brilliant film about a brilliant man, one Theodore Gottleib, also known for a time as "Brother Theodore." Sumerel has accomplished the impossible, in weaving a mesmerizing tale out of not much surviving footage. Even if you'd never heard of Theodore, you'd find it a riveting profile. And if you're fortunate enough to have either seen him perform, or be exposed to his peculiar genius, you'll learn a great deal about his amazing life. This film, now known as "To My Great Chagrin: The Unbelievable Life of Brother Theodore," should be given a much wider audience. In the meantime, do whatever you must to see it. You'll make the acquaintance of a unique individual whom you'll never forget.
Thieves (1977)
Herb Gardner: An American Treasure
Okay, sure, it's talky. But such wonderful talk. Indelible characters, profound humor, and amazing speeches. This movie should not be as forgotten as it is. In its own talky way, it's brilliant. This, along with "A Thousand Clowns," absolutely deserves a DVD release. Marlo Thomas' performance is incisive and touching. Charles Grodin is the perfect foil for her. Irwin Corey, as her father, has what may be the best speech in the movie (and one of the best speeches in all movies) when he gives her an extra year of life. Look for a nifty cameo from Bob Fosse, and catch Jule Styne singing on the soundtrack. But the star here is Herb Gardner, with his wonderful sensitive writing. Do whatever you have to in order to see this forgotten gem.
The Life and Adventures of Nicholas Nickleby (1982)
The most fun I've ever had in a theater
I've seen many legendary performances, and yet this show was, without a doubt, the most fun I've ever had as an audience member. If, after the full 8+ hours of theater I'd seen that day, they came out and said they had 4 more for us, I'd have leapt to my feet in gratitude! A once in a lifetime production that I feel very lucky to have seen. And the tapes/DVDs bring it all back gloriously.
The Last Man (2000)
Surprising and delightful. Well worth catching.
Okay, so you're the last man on earth, and the last woman on earth is Jeri Ryan. What's not to like? Well, first of all, she's out of her mind. This film came as a wonderful surprise, and was completely enjoyable from start to finish. It's nicely paced, never drags, and is unpredictable throughout. Whoever this Arnott kid is, he's a complete hoot. I can't imagine anyone not liking this.