The Comic (1969 Box Office Flop)

The Comic (1969 Box Office Flop)

Author: Awesome Movie Year August 21, 2024 Duration: 51:51

The third episode of our season on the awesome movie year of 1969 features the year’s biggest flop, Carl Reiner’s The Comic. Directed and co-written by Carl Reiner and starring Dick Van Dyke, Michele Lee and Mickey Rooney, The Comic was inspired by Van Dyke’s love of silent film comedians.

The contemporary reviews quoted in this episode come from Roger Greenspun in The New York Times (https://www.nytimes.com/1969/11/20/archives/comic-and-desperados-on-double-bill.html), Jack Goff in The Hollywood Reporter (https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/comic-review-movie-1969-1254978/), and Pauline Kael in The New Yorker.

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All of the music in the episode is by David Rosen. Find more of his music at https://www.bydavidrosen.com

Please like, share, rate and comment on the show and this episode, and tune in for the next 1969 installment, featuring the Cannes Film Festival Palme d’Or winner, Lindsay Anderson’s If ….


Ever wonder what makes a particular year in cinema truly stand out? Awesome Movie Year digs into that very question, one remarkable film at a time. Co-hosted by film critic Josh Bell alongside filmmaker and comedian Jason Harris, this podcast picks a single, noteworthy year each season and meticulously explores what made it so special. Rather than broad overviews, every episode zooms in on a different movie from that chosen year, offering a deep dive into its impact, its cultural moment, and its lasting legacy. The conversations blend critical analysis with a genuine love for the medium, thanks to the hosts' complementary backgrounds. Produced by David Rosen of Piecing It Together for the All Points West Podcast Network, the show has a polished yet conversational feel. You’ll hear about blockbusters and hidden gems alike, all through the lens of why they mattered then and why they still resonate. It’s for anyone who loves to look beyond the screen and understand the context that creates a classic. Tune in to Awesome Movie Year for a thoughtful and engaging tour through some of cinema’s most fascinating periods.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Awesome Movie Year