| Cast overview, first billed only: | |||
| Peter O'Toole | ... | ||
| Mark Linn-Baker | ... | ||
| Jessica Harper | ... |
K.C. Downing
|
|
| Joseph Bologna | ... |
King Kaiser
|
|
| Bill Macy | ... |
Sy Benson
|
|
| Lainie Kazan | ... |
Belle Carroca
|
|
| Anne De Salvo | ... |
Alice Miller
|
|
| Basil Hoffman | ... |
Herb Lee
|
|
|
|
Lou Jacobi | ... |
Uncle Morty
|
|
|
Adolph Green | ... |
Leo Silver
|
|
|
Tony DiBenedetto | ... |
Alfie Bumbacelli
|
| George Wyner | ... |
Myron Fein
|
|
|
|
Selma Diamond | ... |
Lil
|
| Cameron Mitchell | ... |
Karl Rojeck
|
|
|
|
Jenny Neumann | ... |
Connie
|
Benjy Stone is the junior writer on the top rated variety/comedy show, in the mid 50s (the early years). Its a new medium and the rules were not fully established. Alan Swann, an Erol Flynn type actor with a drinking problem is to be that weeks guest star. When King Kaiser, the headliner wants to throw Swann off the show, Benjy makes a pitch to save his childhood hero, and is made Swann's babysitter. On top of this, a union boss doesn't care for Kaiser's parody of him and has plans to stop the show. Written by John Vogel <jlvogel@comcast.net>
Peter O'Toole is at the height of his comic powers in this wonderful homage to Errol Flynn, the 50's, and early live TV. Alan Swann (O'Toole) is a swashbuckling, aging, alcoholic actor billed to appear on television - which is fine until he realises that the thing is going to be broadcast LIVE, which is unthinkable. This prompts severe stage fright and heavy drinking, as he is cojoled with endless patience by his adoring young minder, Benjy Stone, (Mark Linn-Baker).
The film is funny, brilliant, sad, stirring, inspiring, exciting - unique. The cast is perfect from top to bottom A tour de force by O'Toole. Watch it. 'My Favorite Year' should become one of Your Favorite Films. 9 out of 10.