Wait for Your Laugh (2017) User Reviews

Whether you remember her or not, it's a fascinating look at a long, long life as an entertainer.

[planktonrules · 9/10 · 4 May 2018]

Most younger people probably have no idea who Rose Marie was. And, with folks who are a bit older, you might remember her from "The Dick Van Dyke Show". But there is so much more to this woman and her incredibly long career. Using mostly interviews with Rose Marie herself as well as her surviving friends in the entertainment world, you learn about her amazing life...starting as a 3-4 year-old singing professionally!! Baby Rose Marie was a big act and folks loved her...and this includes the like of Al Capone and other mobsters! Who else did she know and what else did she do? Watch this fascinating documentary.

I think the best thing about this film was its timing. Rose Marie lived long enough to see the film's debut and was, briefly, a Twitter sensation...in her 90s! The DVD has a tacked on message to let you know that Rose Marie recently died...after the debut but just before the DVD release. Overall, it's a terrific and fascinating film from start to finish and is well worth seeing.

A very nice docu on a famous lady few people remember

[cekadah · 8/10 · 20 May 2018]

Rose Marie was both famous and obscure. By that statement I mean she never became the type of 'star' that remains a 'name' both during and long after a career in entertainment such as Elizabeth Taylor, or Sinatra, or Judy Garland.

But in this documentary we see the amazing talent in singing and comedy Rose Marie brought to the stage, radio, and television. Always capable and professional she entertained thousands over many decades! This delightful docu once again places her in the limelight for generations that remember her and generations that never heard of her.

make 'em laugh

[ferguson-6 · 9/10 · 1 November 2017]

Greetings again from the darkness. Rose Marie. There is a fear that her name and legacy are unknown to many these days, and director Jason Wise (SOMM, 2012) sets out to ensure that this giant of entertainment receives her due. Not many are famous at age 4 and go on to have an 87 year career singing and making people laugh. In fact, she's likely the only one.

A big chunk of the film has 94 year old Rose Marie in the place where she is most comfortable – under the lights, looking directly into the camera. She shares some remarkable stories of her life, and walks us through a time line of the history of entertainment. It's a history in which she played a significant role. We learn about her singing Sophie Tucker songs on stage in 1923 at age 4, and we hear her final credit as a voice actor on "Garfield" in 2013. In between, she received an NBC radio contract at age 5, and proceeded to star in Vaudeville, Radio, Broadway, Las Vegas, the nightclub circuit, and of course, Television. She was often referred to as "one of the boys", but the reality is, she was a trailblazer for women performers.

In addition to Rose Marie's own words, there is insight from Dick Van Dyke, Carl Reiner, Peter Marshall, her daughter Georgana Rodrigues, a long-time close friend, and many others. We learn that her "Uncle Al" was actually what Al Capone suggested she call him, and the other mobsters of the era were just "the boys", all whom "were wonderful" to her. In 1944, during WWII, she met the love of her life. Bobby Guy was the lead trumpet for "The Bing Crosby Show", and an extremely successful musician who played live in big bands, as well as on albums and film soundtracks.

The fascinating stories come fast and furious, and director Wise uses reenactments for some segments and actual photos and clips for others. Rose Marie working opening night with Jimmy Durante at Bugsy Siegel's Flamingo in Las Vegas is particularly compelling, as Mr. Siegel's career and life didn't last much longer than opening weekend. Familiarity strikes once we reach the 1950's boom era for television. A rare clip of Rose Marie's first episode of "Gunsmoke" transitions into her wildly popular run on "The Dick Van Dyke Show" (1961-66). On the movie side, should you find yourself watching Gus Van Sant's PSYCHO, you'll now impress your friends with the knowledge that Rose Marie voiced Norman's mother in that remake.

If this sounds like a recap of her career, you should know this barely scratches the surface, and half the fun is in feeling like she is telling her story directly to us. A 14 year run on "Hollywood Squares" is further testament to her comedic skills and quick wit. Rose Marie is comparable to Lucille Ball and Carol Burnett in both talent and impact, and deserves to be respected as such.

This is a well-made and important documentary about the history of entertainment, one remarkable woman's career, her wonderful and tragic love story, and above all, a lesson in perseverance. At age 94, Rose Marie's mind is razor-sharp despite the failings of her physical body. As she waits for her next job, she proves she can still tell a joke … and that even today, she never has to wait long for the laugh.

Rose Marie-an amazing talent who deserved an amazing documentary . . .

[nkbrsmom · 10/10 · 23 January 2018]

And she got it. I saw the show in Chicago in mid-January, and I was blown away! I am a huge fan of the golden age of entertainment, and Rose Marie was such an integral part of its history, with all that she contributed to vaudeville, radio, Broadway, TV, etc. Having Rose Marie herself narrating most of the show, instead of just being the subject of the movie and having others talk for her, makes this a unique and special documentary. She led such a wonderfully diverse and captivating life, and gave so much of herself to the entertainment world and her fans. Only she could tell her story properly and with such humor and love, but having those who loved and knew her best join in, like her daughter Noopy, Peter Marshall, Dick Van Dyke, Carl Reiner, and her best friend Ruthie-it was a testament to the positive impact she had on those around her. Jason and Christina did a wonderful job of letting Rose Marie shine, and they should be very proud of this very special film. Those of us in the theater laughed and cried together. Thank you for such a delightful and lively documentary about one of the true treasures of our time! As sad as I was to hear of her passing, I'm very happy that Rose Marie lived to see the finished project and witnessed the effect it had on her family, friends, and fans. Thanks to the vision of Jason and Christina, she went out on top, and we will always have this remarkable narrative of her extraordinary life.

Quite a long and interesting Career

[lenab-30920 · 8/10 · 29 November 2017]

I was a bit familiar with Rose Marie from Hollywood Squares and Dick Van Dyke reruns. But she had a much longer and very interesting career. She started very young singing on stage and on the radio. The Mob took an interest in her ("as a daughter, not a girlfriend" she says) so she knew Al Capone as a child. As an adult she was part of the opening line-up for the Flamingo Hotel (with Xavier Cougat and Jimmy Durante) so she knew Bugsy Seigel. The film covers he career with commentary from Rose herself, many co-stars and friends. Her husband died relatively young leaving her as a single working mother. There are many enjoyable stories told - and I'm sure there are many more that didn't make it, especially about Las Vegas in it's first booming years. I enjoyed this film very much.

Wonderful Documentary

[jeff-2051 · 8/10 · 19 May 2018]

It's a tragedy that in the age of KUWTK and its ilk that few reading this will know about whom this film revolves. Rose Marie was a national treasure, and I'm grateful these filmmakers took the time to tell her story.

Laughter and tears for one tirelessly dedicated entertainer.

[Poseidon-3 · 16 March 2018]

Rose Marie, a child star famous before Shirley Temple was born and who outlived her as well, had a surprisingly compelling life and this well-crafted documentary presents it beautifully. What with grabbing the spotlight at 2 years, nine months in a style that knocked audiences on their behinds and being granted her initial moniker of "Baby Rose Marie" by none other than the notorious Evelyn Nesbit to doing voiceover work in her late-eighties and so much in-between she was like a living Rolodex of show business experiences and relationships.

Her early life and the key people in it are represented frequently by re-enactors and while I have never been fond of this practice (somehow it tends to give things an "Unsolved Mysteries" or "Rescue 911" vibe...!), they are generally well-handled here and even clever at times with the actors' lips moving to the voices of Rose Marie as she relays the tales in question. Fortunately, as she grows up (and the accessibility of actual footage becomes more available) the reenactments taper off. We see her grow from a dazzling child singer to a charming young vocalist who works steadily in Las Vegas and elsewhere. The presence of gangsters in Las Vegas and in her life is not ignored. She is also called to Broadway, though her shot at the movies is marred by the salacious greed and pettiness of a producer.

She meets THE love of her life, the husky but beautiful trumpet player Bobby Guy and her father will have none of it, causing complications that are only partly addressed in this film. Love wins out, though, and they share a glorious couple of decades together until fate steps in. It's telling of her deep adoration for her husband that even after more than fifty years had gone by she could not speak of his passing without becoming touchingly emotional.

She put on a brave face for audiences of her sitcoms and games shows and kept on plugging along. Then, she and several other ladies who were considered "washed up" by the pups then in vogue got together and proved them all wrong with a staggeringly successful group act, "4 Girls 4."

Seeing that Miss Rose Marie could barely stand to be idle, even when work on TV and the stage sometimes yielded a barrage of headaches from unreliable producers or irritating costars, clues you in to what kept her alive until she was 94, even with her body failing her. She just NEEDED to perform and to win over an audience. This documentary contains beautiful visuals, a compelling format, priceless home movies (including color footage of the cast of "The Dick Van Dyke Show") and entertaining clips, but the real jewel of it is the up close and personal interview footage. It could have been an hour longer and still held attention, she was so heartfelt, charming, poignant and hilarious. Rest in Peace, dear lady.

An Entertainer Who Deserves A Documentary

[statuskuo · 10/10 · 18 November 2017]

Aren't you sick of docs that take you to the front line of war? Or how America sucks, or some social justice garbage only to pander to injustices Oscar voters lap up? "Wait For Your Laugh" is NONE of that. It is a celebration of a woman who had a LONG career didn't focus on the politics of the world and chose to put her head down and...work. If there were justice in this world, this is the movie women should watch to see how a real tough person survived child star to voice actress. And she did it with focus. And that's the one thing that may also be its own undoing. Because Academy voters love misery. This is not to say Rose Marie didn't have her own painful moment in life, but the message most people don't want to hear is that you aren't the victim and you can write your history. In Rose Marie's case it is LONG. The longest entertainment career. I have to repeat for the cheap seats, Rose Marie is woman who has entertained for 80 years. This message seems to be lost on the recent events of equality. Because, let's face it, Rose Marie isn't self-destructive Marilyn Monroe. Or Amy Winehouse. Rose Marie isn't Madonna or (thankfully) Khardashian. She is a working entertainer that is happiest entertaining people. How more noble is that? Yes, there are flaws, which is most likely to condense the epic career she's had. But overall, go see something that makes your faith in entertainment on the good side again. There's been so much revealed about the movie industry now that is so ugly. See something beautiful, like this flick.

Good for entertainment history fans

[dlynch843 · 8/10 · 10 November 2017]

As well as lovers of the Dick Van Dyke Show--we see the whole cast in color film taken on the set during rehearsals. And if you're interested in how Las Vegas became the neon capital of the world, you'll like the early 8 millimeter color footage of the opening of the Flamingo Hotel, and Rose Marie tells of her relationship with Bugsy Siegel and other mob guys. A well-made documentary that covers her whole nine decade career, including her 20 year marriage to trumpeter Bobby Guy.

What an Amazing Documentary

[kmaver-17-616606 · 10/10 · 12 August 2018]

These filmmakers will go places. What a remarkable film. Created in the closing chapter of Rose Marie's life, the Wises unobtrusively mine the memories and memorabilia of this remarkable performer. A singer, a comedian, an actor on radio, stage and screen, Rose Marie's career pretty much covered every aspect of 20th Century entertainment. The film also has the intrigue of the mob, the hilarity of her comedy roles, the tragedy of her husband's death, the pathos of her struggle to keep working as she ages. She is the one who got Morey Amsterdam on the Dick Van Dyke Show. She is the one who launched Tim Conway's career. The movie is obviously about Rose Marie, but also about so much more-how well do we live our lives? How do we reflect back on them from the perspective of old age? How do we cope with struggle and success? Rose Marie believed in her talent. She was a person who forged her own path and followed her gut. I am so glad she did. She deserved far more accolades than she ever got in life. This film is a gorgeously made tribute.

Also, be sure to watch the extras.

Mildly diverting

[matthewssilverhammer · 6/10 · 16 August 2020]

A fittingly loving tribute to a hardworking and classic talent, with a career that was as expansive as it was under-remembered. Still, there's a good bit of old-Hollywood arrogance that's hard to shake. It feels like everyone involved here is too close to here to call her what she could clearly often be: an entitled Hollywood Karen. Nonetheless, it's mildly diverting...and the Dick Van Dyke section is wonderful.

Laughs await and even a few tears

[privatereceiver · 10/10 · 11 November 2017]

A wonderful documentary showcasing an amazing woman. For anyone who loves show business, this movie is a great way to appreciate them.

From vaudeville to streaming, Rose Marie did it all. Sometimes with grace, sometimes with grit, always with love.

Get your ticket for an enjoyable experience.

An overlooked super star.

[pclarkotis · 11 February 2020]

I had no idea of this women's huge contribution to the entertainment industry until I seen this documentary. I knew her as the wise cracking side kick along with buddy as the co-writers in the Dick Van Dyke show.. She was hilarious.. On Hollywood squares, I thought, funny, but kinda sad. I had know idea of her career.. After watching this documentary, I was so impressed by her. Such a lovely woman. I immediately tried to tell everyone to watch this film, but sadly it's to late. I don't think she ever got the recognition she deserved. The so called celebrities of today,, pufff. They have know idea what it took back then.. Sit back and watch this.. If your not impressed or in tears by the end , check your pulse.

Wait for Your Laugh was a great tribute to the life and career of Rose Marie

[tavm · 10/10 · 10 August 2020]

I mainly knew Rose Marie first as Sally Rogers on the legendary "The Dick Van Dyke Show" and then as her earlier self as a pre-teen named Baby Rose Marie who appeared in various revue-type films during the '30s. This documentary of her as she's interviewed near the end of her life discusses both those highlights as well as when she first played Vegas, her post-DVD life and career, and her marriage to musician Bobby Guy and the daughter that resulted who is among the interviewees in this film. It's mainly the last part I mentioned that I was most fascinated by especially the fact that Bobby worked in Bing Crosby's band. Also that after he passed in 1964-while Rose was still working on DVD-she never remarried. There are also great interviews with her former co-stars of Dick Van Dyke and Carl Reiner as well as several color home movies of what the show looked like as they were filming. So on that note, that's a high recommendation for Wait for Your Laugh.

Wow!

[t4oyman · 10/10 · 16 March 2019]

She was such a talented performer, but my wife and I didn't realize that until we saw this movie. Highly recommended!

The one and only

[cockezville · 8/10 · 19 January 2020]

She really defined the entertainer like few have done. Many only know her from Dick Van Dyke and Hollywood Squares not reaping knowledge of her long career. Had no idea she was so mafia protected and connected. And was unaware of her marriage her famous musician. She loved to perform! Nice documentary

great entertainer

[panta-4 · 9/10 · 7 June 2021]

Rose Marie... her name and legacy were unknown to me until now, so I am so glad that the director Jason Wise set out to ensure that this giant of entertainment receives her due. What a character she was - the most famous radio entertainer at age 4 continued for 87 years to sing and make people laugh! Only one with such a long career in entertainment!

You will see a 94 year old Rose Marie in the place where she is most comfortable - under the lights telling us about her big loves - her career and her husband! What a story... worth watching!

Unique

[bud-938-857106 · 9/10 · 26 May 2022]

This is a one of a kind lifelong entertainment career involving mobsters, vaudeville, radio, movies and tv. She saw it all, she did it all, but mostly unique because she is apparently a decent human being. What other entertainers moved in such circles for decades but maintained a relatively stable personal life. I cannot think of m(any).