A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum

Released Oct 16, 1966

1h 39m

Musical

Comedy

List

83%

23 Reviews

Tomatometer

77%

5,000+ Ratings

Audience Score

This screen adaptation of the stage musical of the same name finds the Roman slave Pseudolus (Zero Mostel) scheming his way to freedom by playing matchmaker for his master's son, Hero, who is smitten with the blonde and beautiful Philia. However, things don't go at all according to plan. The complications that ensue involve blackmail, funny disguises and long-lost children, while Pseudolus desperately tries to keep up with his end of the bargain.

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Nawt W

The age-old statement that all humor is subjective must be exercised here. This comedy musical banks on way too much on fast talking, absurdist situations, and misunderstandings. And I know for a fact that this cup of tea isn't just making me sick. Regardless, the music is magnificent. Especially the opening and closing numbers. The sets and costumes also appear authentic, and overall this movie shows a great representation of Roman middle- to lower-class domestic lives, which is rare. The delightfully staged chariot race should also be applauded, even if it's filled with oddball slapstick bits that really meddle with the pacing of said chase.

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

12/30/22

Full Review

joel h

While the humor in A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum has definitely aged, the movie still has a certain charm. In fact, if you're in the right mood, you may find yourself laughing quite often at the madcap antics. I think I prefer the stage version of this story, but the film was enjoyable enough for a comedy tonight.

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

03/30/23

Full Review

dave s

With the exception of a catchy tune or two and a couple of mild chuckles, there's not really much to see in A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum. Set in ancient Rome, Pseudolis (Zero Mostel) tries to negotiate his way out of slavery by agreeing to help find a woman for his slaveowner's son Hero (Michael Crawford) in exchange for his freedom. The whole thing comes across as more theatrical than cinematic with a ton of over-acting, some of the blandest slapstick you'll ever see, and more cringe-worthy one-liners than you can imagine. Wasting the talents of Buster Keaton, Phil Silvers and Jack Gifford, it is a manic mess from start to finish, leaving the viewer more exhausted than entertained by the time it grinds its way to the finale.

Rated 1.5 out of 5 stars

03/30/23

Full Review

barbara h

I have seen "Funny Thing/Forum" on stage many times, several in NYC, including the original stage production. I've always enjoyed it, especially the music but, then, I'm a big Sondheim fan. I was very disappointed in this film version. Two of my favorite songs -- "Free" and "Dirty Old Man" -- were cut. And there was just too much chasing and running around. It was meant to be bawdy, but I think the director got carried away.

Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars

03/30/23

Full Review

Audience Member

Zero Mostel. Buster Keaton. Phil Silvers. For this it was worth signing up for Latin.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

01/14/23

Full Review

AJ B

A hilarious film that's fun to watch!

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

07/11/21

Full Review

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Richard Lester

Director

Zero Mostel

Pseudolus

Phil Silvers

Marcus Lycus

Jack Gilford

Hysterium

Buster Keaton

Erronius

Michael Crawford

Hero

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A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum: Official Clip - Bring Me My Bride

2:22

A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum: Official Clip - Comedy Tonight

3:05

A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum: Official Clip - Lovely

2:48

A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum: Official Clip - The Soothsayer

2:10

A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum: Official Clip - Chariots of Fire

2:13

A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum: Official Clip - Stalling Gloriosus

2:10

A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum: Official Clip - The Bride Is Dead

1:48

A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum: Official Clip - Gladiator Training

2:13

A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum: Official Clip - Captain Gloriosus

2:12

A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum: Official Clip - Smoked Virgin

1:56

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Pauline Kael

The New Republic

Lester’s short-term camera magic keeps cutting into and away from the comedians (Zero Mostel, Phil Silvers, Jack Gilford, Michael Hordern), who never get a chance to develop a routine or to bring off a number. What are we being distracted from?

Sep 19, 2023

Full Review

Variety Staff

Variety

Flip, glib and sophisticated, yet rump-slappingly bawdy and fast-paced, Forum is a capricious look at the seamy underside of classical Rome through a 20th-century hipster's shades.

Jun 19, 2019

Full Review

Nell Minow

Movie Mom

Rated: 4/5

Jan 30, 2003

Full Review

Eddie Harrison

film-authority.com

... of interest to connoisseurs of vintage comedy, and of course the fabolous animations of Richard Williams, who contributed credits sequences here...

Rated: 3/5

Jan 23, 2024

Full Review

Danielle Solzman

Solzy at the Movies

A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum is still a funny classic over 55 years later.

Jan 19, 2022

Full Review

Eve Tushnet

Patheos

I have never seen a Plautus adaptation so this was great on that level, it really does feel like him in certain ways, while also feeling intensely and not too pleasantly of its time. Sondheim gives you clever lyrics throughout...

Dec 20, 2021

Full Review

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Synopsis

This screen adaptation of the stage musical of the same name finds the Roman slave Pseudolus (Zero Mostel) scheming his way to freedom by playing matchmaker for his master's son, Hero, who is smitten with the blonde and beautiful Philia. However, things don't go at all according to plan. The complications that ensue involve blackmail, funny disguises and long-lost children, while Pseudolus desperately tries to keep up with his end of the bargain.

Director: Richard Lester
Screenwriter: Melvin Frank, Michael Pertwee
Production Co: United Artists
Genre: Musical, Comedy
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Oct 16, 1966, Original
Release Date (Streaming): Sep 16, 2008
Runtime: 1h 39m

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