A Funny Thing Happened In The Way To The Firum

I loved it when I was a kid, Zero Mostel especially.

Great in it’s time!

Sexist and portrays slavery as fun. And where are the Roman senators of Color ?

I think it offers something familiar, something peculiar, something for everyone.

You mean …the Firm? That was the unmade prequel to Tom’s hit.

You're lovely absolutely lovely who'd believe the loveliness of you

It’s based on ancient Roman farces but it plays out like a prolonged vaudeville or burlesque sketch. Hence the title, which is a variation of comedians’ stereotypical straight line of that period, “A funny thing happened on the way to the theater.”

Analysis aside, I saw it as a kid during its original run in 1966 and thought it was hilarious. I had the hots for Michael Crawford in his toga. He played a simpleton for laughs, but he was such a gentle, non-threatening character that it increased my attraction to him.

I watched the film again about a year ago, and it still stands up for what it is. I loved the older comedians of that time, so seeing Zero Mostel, Phil Silvers, and Buster Keaton being funny again is great entertainment for me. And I still had my eyes on Michael Crawford in his toga.

I still use THE PLAGUE routine in public when attempting to disperse a crowd.

Saw it with Whoopi. Tourists behind me were talking loudly through the overture. When I asked them to be quiet, they said, “It hasn’t started yet.” When I pointed out that the orchestra was playing they asked, “Are they friends of yours?” I hate tourists.