MovieChat Forums > Mr. Saturday Night (1992) Discussion > Another reason why this didn't connect w...

Another reason why this didn't connect with audiences

posted 10 years ago by smoko
3 replies | jump to latest

Obviously a big factor is that it was presented as a comedy when it's more of a drama, but I also think that there was a problem with the humor in terms of audience appeal, and that's that it was outdated.

I understand that an aspect of the movie is how Buddy's schtick is no longer current (the movie hits us over the head to make sure that we get it), and that wasn't a problem for me because I was more interested in the depiction of his rollercoaster career in show business. But I think most viewers would cringe at the variety-show scenes and Buddy's act because they were so old-timey.

[–] bradford-1 10 years ago

I'm not sure what you mean. Young's heyday was in the 1950s. He wouldn't be doing Jimmy Kimmel-type material. The material is "old-timey" to you, and it's SUPPOSED to be. How many variety shows have you seen from the 1950's and even the 60s, up to say, THE SMOTHERS BROTHERS COMEDY HOUR?

"May I bone your kipper, Mademoiselle?"

[–] smoko 10 years ago

@bradford-1 The material is "old-timey" to you, and it's SUPPOSED to be.
Yes, I understand that an aspect of the movie is how Buddy's schtick is no longer current. This is why I wrote in my original post, "I understand that an aspect of the movie is how Buddy's schtick is no longer current..."

[–] stevenackerman69 7 years ago

I don't know about that. I think comedy can be timeless. There are many comedians of yesteryear who you still laugh at. I think the problem was what Billy Crystal said in his autobiography-that they opened it in too many theaters right away. This needed to be a word of mouth picture to find its audience.