A funny, nostalgic reminder of the days of live television, directed with warmth and affection by Richard Benjamin. Mark Linn-Baker makes an impressive feature debut (although his career subsequently went nowhere fast) as Benjy Stone, the eager young writer placed in charge of stylish, swashbuckling movie legend Alan Swann (Peter O'Toole), who is scheduled to guest star on the live TV show 'Comedy Cavalcade' - if he can stay sober for long enough. There is some cringingly hilarious mayhem, as in the scene when Swann visits Benjy's Jewish Brooklyn family for dinner, and some inspired moments such as when Benjy tries to teach his girlfriend (Jessica Harper) the art of telling a good joke. The finale, with O'Toole swashing his buckle joyously, is truly heartwarming. A real treat.

©ipc tx. Film content from TVTimes