A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum (1966)

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Siskoid
1966's movie version of A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum omits two thirds of Stephen Sondheim's songs, and so cannot be considered a good film adaptation of the stage musical. But as a black comedy that spoofs Roman movies in the same way Mel Brooks might have (a year before The Producers came out), it's amusing enough. I want to call it the "Blazing Sandals" version. Taken for what it is, rather than what it might be, the songs become comedy set pieces rather than the grammar and syntax of the film. What's missing is replaced with visual gags of all sorts, some broad, some slapstick, some editing punchlines, some rather more clever. Zero Mostel is good as the slave who will do anything to be free, up to and including finding a wife for his master. You see the ending coming a mile away, but it's not all that important. As an example of Sondheim's upbeat darkness and playfully vicious ironies, it's a bit diluted, sure, but most of the jokes landed for me. Now, if you're watching this for Doctor Who Jon Pertwee*, you really might be disappointed. He's got like three lines. 5 years 6 months ago
On cinema at the cinema
Zero Mostel is pure genius in this movie! It's definitely the type of comedy that isn't made anymore. It's a real gem in the world of comedy. 7 years 7 months ago