Bert Rigby, You're a Fool (1989)

Director:

Carl Reiner

Writer (WGA):

Carl Reiner (written by)

Release Date:

24 February 1989 (USA)

Genre:

Comedy | Musical

Tagline:

He's a singer! He's a dancer! He's a coal-miner! And when Hollywood called, it was the answer to his dreams. So why is everyone saying...

Plot:

Bert Rigby lives in the small dying town Langmore, where most people depend on badly doing mining corporation...

Plot Keywords:

Showbiz | Character Name In Title

Awards:

1 nomination

Cast

Robert Lindsay	...	Bert Rigby
Robbie Coltrane	...	Sid Trample
Cathryn Bradshaw	...	Laurel Pennington
Jackie Gayle	...	I.I. Perlestein
Bruno Kirby	...	Kyle DeForest
Corbin Bernsen	...	Jim Shirley
Anne Bancroft	...	Meredith Perlestein
Carmen du Sautoy	...	Tess Trample
Liz Smith	...	Mrs. Rigby
Lila Kaye	...	Mrs. Pennington
Diana Weston	...	Young Mrs. Rigby
Santos Morales	...	Jesus
Mike Grady	...	Mick O'Grady
Fanny Carby	...	Aunt Aggie
George Wallace	...	Bartender

Runtime:

94 min

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Color (Metrocolor)

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Sound Mix:

Dolby

Certification:

Australia:M | USA:R | Iceland:L

Filming Locations:

Barnsley, South Yorkshire, England, UK

Company:

Lorimar Productions

Trivia:

There is a scene on a bus where Bert is "receiving unwanted attention" from a woman. Unable to take it any more he stands up and shouts, "Are we at Ilkeston yet?" This is a reference to Robert Lindsay's home town in Derbyshire in the United Kingdom. The role of Bert Rigby was written for him, and the character's background mirrored his own. Originally he wanted a portion of the movie to be filmed in Ilkeston, but the producers thought Ilkeston no longer looked "industrial enough" to match the character's background. So the bus scene is the only bit of Ilkeston that made it to the final product.

Movie Connections:

References Silk Stockings (1957)

Surprisingly Funny.

I was flipping through the channels on TV one night and stumbled onto this movie at the beginning. It looked kind of stupid, but I decided to give it a shot. I'm glad I did. This movie is funny throughout. Robert Lindsay (Divorcing Jack) stars as Bert Rigby a man trying to get his big break in show business. He always seems to get an opportunity, but have it not work out. The movie is kind of a fantasy comedy, with a lot of musical numbers. It is funny, Lindsay is great in the lead. Anne Bancroft (Home for the Holidays) gives a very funny supporting performance. Corbin Berenson (Major League) gives a good performance as a big Hollywood star. I recommend it.