A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum [DVD] [1966]

The only relationship between this movie and the Roman Empire is some Roman-appearing architecture. (Possible even though it was filmed in Spain.) It is a comedy based on the Broadway show and performed by a cast of very recognizable comedians of the time who could also sing. (Not to mention an excellent supporting cast of equally recognizable character actors whose names you never know.) The plot is more slapstick than dramatic. The acting is excellent. There is also a memorable chariot race near the end. But, the music is what is most important. The score is one of Stephen Sondheim’s most memorable. These songs stick in your head for days. So will images from the choreography performed by Zero Mostel, Phil Silvers, Jack Kilford, and more. Zero Mostel is a skave, the central character and voice; straight from Broadway. His master is a love struck teenager performed by a young Michael Crawford on his way to dominating Broadway as the Phantom of the Opera. Despite dating from 1966, this film is memorable, funny, and excellent. And wait until you hear the bass singing the Roman general!

"Something for everyone, a comedy tonight!" Indeed: a musical version of an old Roman play -- Miles Gloriosus (The Braggart Captain), by T. Maccius Plautus. Starring Phil Silvers and Zero Mostel. And Buster Keaton. And featuring scads of folks you've seen (even if you don't know their names) if you're an aficionado of 60s movies. Songs by Stephen Sondheim. Farce. Social commentary. Wiley slaves out-thinking their Roman masters. Something for everyone! I first saw A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum (hereinafter AFTH) when I was 9 or so, shortly after it came out, and I thought it was a scream. Saw it again in high school -- even funnier, as I caught some of the things that went right over my head when I was younger (kinda like Bugs Bunny). Saw it again in college after reading Braggart Captain in a Classical History class -- my lord: even funnier. I watched it every time it was on TV, and every time I'd laugh ‘til I cried. Made my friends watch it; made my wife watch it -- they all loved it. Bought the VHS tape and watched it with my kids, who were six and nine at the time, and they are today huge fans of AFTH. If you’ve ever thought, Gee, I really need to inject some old Roman comedy into my life (a thought probably no one has EVER had), or even if you didn’t know the Romans had comedies (they did, and all the surviving ones by Plautus and Terrence are absolute screams), whether you like comedy or not, whether you like musicals or not (and I confess I am not a huge fan) -- still: AFTH bears watching. To try before you buy, watch “Comedy Tonight” (the overture) on YouTube. About midway through (it’s 3:20). You’ll be tapping your foot and humming along. Then order it at Best Buy -- you won’t regret it!

This movie is hilarious. The music is catchy and Zero Mostel is fantastic. A great musical and an enjoyable watch.

Funny, a bit bawdy a good evening entertainment with real over the top momments

This is a great and funny classic comedy. Wanted to update my collection and own it in BluRay/DVD format.

MINDLESS ENTERTAINMENT. JUST PLAIN FUN. GREAT CHARACTERS WITH A FUN STORYLINE.

Movie is a very 1960s/70s version of the play. Not as funny as I had hoped it would be and it didn't even include the song that my son needed to learn for a performance. Michael Crawford's voice is as wonderful as always, but the whole family was a bit disappointed with the movie overall.