This stars George Burns, of vaudeville, radio, film and TV fame. He was entertainment royalty. His partner, the other half of the Sunshine Boys, is Walter Matthau. Together they play an old (as in aged, no longer working, with all their friends dying) vaudeville team who is asked to rehearse one last performance for a TV show about the history of comedy. The money is good, but there is a problem: they haven't spoken in years as Matthau's Clark hates Burns' Lewis. (They are Lewis and Clark, the Sunshine boys.)
The vaudeville sketch does not hold up at all (in my mind). I do not see vaudeville as funny - the jokes are too broad, too coarse. Perhaps people who enjoy the Three Stooges will find it funny. But these two performers are impeccable. They have timing and delivery that is educational to watch. Their fights and dialog as two old friends are amazing. I would recommend this for anyone who appreciates great performances.
No comments:
Post a Comment