My Favorite Year (1982)

Director:

Richard Benjamin

Writers:

Dennis Palumbo (screenplay)
Dennis Palumbo (story)

Release Date:

1 October 1982 (USA)

Genre:

Comedy

Plot:

A dissolute matinee idol is slated to appear on a live TV variety show.

Plot Keywords:

Television | Womanizer | Star | Live Television | Movie Star

Awards:

Nominated for Oscar. Another 2 wins & 4 nominations

Cast

Peter O'Toole	...	Alan Swann
Mark Linn-Baker	...	Benjy Stone
Jessica Harper	...	K. C. Downing
Joseph Bologna	...	King Kaiser
Bill Macy	...	Sy Benson
Lainie Kazan	...	Belle Carroca
Anne De Salvo	...	Alice Miller
Basil Hoffman	...	Herb Lee
Lou Jacobi	...	Uncle Morty
Adolph Green	...	Leo Silver
Tony DiBenedetto	...	Alfi Bambacelli
George Wyner	...	Myron Fein
Selma Diamond	...	Lil
Cameron Mitchell	...	Karl Rojeck
Jenny Neumann	...	Connie

Also Known As:

My Favourite Year (UK)

Runtime:

92 min

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Color (Metrocolor)

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Sound Mix:

Mono

Certification:

Iceland:L | Australia:M | Finland:K-12 | Sweden:11 | UK:PG | USA:PG

Filming Locations:

Brooklyn, New York City, New York, USA

Company:

Brooksfilms

Trivia:

The Broadway musical version opened at the Vivian Beaumont Theatre on December 10, 1992, ran for 36 performances. Lainie Kazan recreated her role from the movie and was nominated for the 1993 Tony Award (New York City) for Supporting or Features Actress in a Musical.

Goofs:

Anachronisms: In the family dinner scene, Belle calls Alan Swann "Al," to which Benjy responds, "Ma, it's not Al. If I invite Capone or Jolson, then it's Al." At that point, Uncle Morty says, "Jolson's coming?" The movie takes place in 1954. Al Jolson died in 1950, and Capone died in 1947. Of course, Benjy could have been making a facetious remark, but Uncle Morty acts as if he thinks Jolson is still alive.

Quotes:

Sy: Leo, it gets me sick to think we gotta put up with some washed-up jaboni who's gonna be running around Central Park with his schlong hangin' out!
Alan Swann: My dear fellow, what I choose to do with my schlong is my business.
Sy: [who didn't know Swann had entered] How's business?
Alan Swann: Never better.

Movie Connections:

Referenced in "Saturday Night Live: Joan Rivers/Musical Youth (#8.17)" (1983)

Soundtrack:

How High the Moon

An Unexpected Good Time!

I had never heard of this film until today. In fact, I had no intention of watching this movie at all. Peter O'Toole was being honored at the Savannah Film Festival and they had scheduled to show The Lion in Winter. That being one of my favorite flicks I immediately bought a ticket. Due to some kind of problem though they changed it and showed this instead. Well, all I can say is I'm glad I stayed for this movie! It was so funny and very witty. Peter O'Toole's delivery is unabelievable especially since I don't usually associate his name with this kind of comedy. It was hysterical! A lot of those in the theatre were college students like me and hadn't seen the movie either and everyone was rolling with laughter. I highly recommend this movie for a great time and an excellent performance from O'Toole!