My Favorite Year (1982)

My Favorite Year (1982)

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“Stone, you can either watch me or join me: one of them is more fun.”

Synopsis:
In 1954, a comedy sketch writer (Mark Linn-Baker) is charged with watching over an alcoholic former matinee star (Peter O’Toole) who is due to make a special appearance on a variety show alongside “King Kaiser” (Joseph Bologna).

Genres, Themes, Actors, and Directors:

  • Actors and Actresses
  • Alcoholism and Drug Addiction
  • Cameron Mitchell Films
  • Comedy
  • Has-Beens
  • Jessica Harper Films
  • Peter O’Toole Films
  • Television

Response to Peary’s Review:
Peary writes that this “original, pleasing, spiritedly written (by Norman Steinberg and Dennis Palumbo) and acted comedy set in 1954” features “uneven” direction by Richard Benjamin (who “has a particularly tough time with tone changes”), and wastes Jessica Harper playing “a perky, dull girl… instead of one of her kooky characters.”

However, he argues (and I agree) that “both O’Toole and Joseph Bologna (as the [Sid] Caesar-like Kaiser) are terrific.”

He points out that the “film shows how the brilliant, artistic, graceful O’Toole and the stupid, strong, instinctively hilarious Bologna — top stars from different eras — share the limelight and become unbeatable partners on live television,” thus proving “there is room in show business for great talents of all types.” He adds that “the dialogues between the show’s writers”:

… “and the scene in which O’Toole meets Linn-Baker’s unusual mother (Lainie Kazan) and uncle (Lou Jacobi) are highlights.”

I was overall disappointed with this film, which does indeed run inconsistently and seems to be missing a key opportunity. However, there are enough positive elements — including O’Toole’s no-holds-barred performance; Bologna as Kaiser (his interactions with real-life crime boss Karl Rojeck [Cameron Mitchell] are hilariously bold):

… and a delightful show-stopping ending — to recommend it for one-time viewing. Also of special note: O’Toole dancing with a smitten woman (Gloria Stuart) out celebrating her anniversary at a club.

Notable Performances, Qualities, and Moments:

  • Peter O’Toole as Alan Swann
  • Joseph Bologna as King Kaiser

Must See?
Yes, once, for O’Toole’s performance, and for the satisfying ending.

Categories

  • Noteworthy Performance(s)
  • Oscar Winner or Nominee

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One thought on “My Favorite Year (1982)”

  1. Not must-see.

    The film was screened on TCM last night and I forced myself through a sort-of rewatch. I was soon reminded of just how tiresome the whole thing is. Mainly, the script sinks it. But then, nothing else helps much.

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