For whatever reason I had never actually seen A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum before coming across it on Hulu a little while ago. I certainly knew of it but had just missed it time and time again.
Forum, though, is not to be missed, especially if you’re a fan of old-school comedy. Between Zero Mostel, Phil Silvers, Buster Keaton and a variety of other faces and names you’re likely to recognize if you know your comedic history, it’s a light little piece of entertainment that is funny and fresh and entirely enjoyable. There isn’t much physical comedy, at least not as much as I was expecting. Instead, as truly befits the talents of those involved, it’s mostly about the word play, about mistaken identities and about pulling one over on your neighbor because he’s probably about to pull one over on you.
If there’s one thing that comes through on watching this, it’s that Mostel truly was a force of nature. He blows through every scene like a whirlwind, leaving half-thought through schemes, confused servants and frustrated masters in his wake. It is, quite frankly, impossible to take your eyes off of him while he’s on screen, even more so than in The Producers, a role he’s well known for in most people’s minds. Maybe because ancient Rome is a bigger canvas for him to wreak havoc on than modern New York City. He’s extraordinary.
The movie is on Hulu for anther week or so so by all means carve out a couple hours or so and watch it while it’s there. If you don’t have the time then add it immediately to your Netflix queue and check it out.
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Chris Thilk