In many discussions that I have about movies with different people all over, we often go over our tastes and some of our favorite films. Comedies are usually the easiest way to relate to people. So when I say Noises off and you've seen it, we'll get along fine. But if you havent, you'll join the thousands of people that dont know this movie even exists. It was a simple enough film, 9 well trained professional actors decided to make a film version of a popular play. It didnt have a budget at all, about that of a normal play, and went on to gross about 2 million at the box office in 1992.

Whenever I mention this movie and people tell me "What?" I always have to give it to them, and when they return Noises Off finds a new fan. What to say about this movie, its truly one of the top five comedies ever made. I've never met someone that didnt like this movie. And if you are a theater actor yourself, you'll get an even greater experience. The cast of characters is amazing as far as physical actors go. Almost every character steals the show in their respected way.

The Late Great John Ritter seems to have the most fun, as his character is the most physically demanding, and is constantly in the action. Ritter no stranger to Physical comedy brings his best material here and is a joy and sad to watch at the same time. And then not only is one deceased actor in it, but 3 of the 9 are. We have Christopher "Superman" Reeve playing a very insecure actor, much like a cooler version of Clark Kent, and who would have ever thought he was a great comedian as well. Denholm eliot, most known as Marcus in the Indiana Jones films, brings the end of his career on a high note, as a bumbling drunk over the hill actor. And lets not forget Michael Caine who as the director of the play its hysterical to watch, you see as the film goes on, he is always on the urge of a nervouse Breakdown, often taking his emotions out on his cast. Carol Burnett, Marylu Henner and Julie Hagerty are seasoned female performer, and continue to show why they've stayed in the business passed their 40s, 50s and 60s. Nicole Sheridan, quite the opposite plays the ditzy blonde to perfection, and goddam looks gorgeous the entire film.

The film about a the backhand side of a stage performance really hit the mark with me. And it is a film everyone should see.

Althouh many people will say the play itself is better than the film, it is, but it will never be acted as well as it was in the movie, and that makes it a step above all the stage performances for me.

A+

A

This is a film that is as much about the stage as it is about verbal and physical comedy. Set in three acts - a dress rehearsal, a back of house nightmare while the show goes on, and an uproarious front of the house on a night where everything goes on, its sensiblities are clearly with the stage more than film. And it is an excellent comment on what went into the making of a Broadway play in years past.

But the core is the comedy, and here it does shine. This is yet another excellent example of the sort of ensemble work Bogdanovich is a master of, with all the performers working at their best. Unlike thegun, I can't stand John Ritter in most of his roles, but here he is brilliant. Carol Burnett in my mind shines though as the aging actress who wants to set her retirement from the show's proceeds. The film is an excellent blend of verbal and physical comedy, and in many ways is a throwback to films of the thirties and forties - again no surprise given the director.

Now - can I see the second act?

Highly recommended

Hilarious. It's a shame it wasn't a bigger hit.