A broadly farcical comedy that attempts to ape the wickedly funny, Bible-spoofing humor of the previous year's Monty Python's Life of Brian (1979), this all-star rib-tickler top-lines
Dudley Moore as Herschel, a historical also-ran whose life so closely parallels that of Moses that Herschel begins believing that he, not the other guy, is God's chosen prophet, setting out to free his people from slavery even though his services are not required. Herschel's travels are always a step or two behind Moses and bring him into the company of various period personnel, including Egypt's Pharoah (
Richard Pryor), the Devil (
John Ritter), an angel (
Paul Sand), and the beautiful Zerelda (
Laraine Newman). He also discovers that his slave, Hyssop (
James Coco), is actually his biological father. Herschel eventually becomes the subject of the lost "Book of Herschel," recounted in a scroll discovered by a modern-day couple (also played by Moore and Newman) vacationing in the Holy Land.
Wholly Moses (1980) co-stars several other recognizable actors in supporting roles, including
John Houseman,
Madeline Kahn, and
Jack Gilford. ~ Karl Williams, All Movie Guide