CAVEMAN Ringo Starr hasn’t been in many movies, and this is one of the may be two or three in which he did not share billing with John, Paul, and George. The story begins on October 9, one zillion B.C. Ringo plays Atouk, a hapless ancestor of Starkey who is an outcast from a tribe of not so bright cave people. Another titled could be Gary Larson Meets Alley Oop.  The gags are corny and were probably old back in one zillion B.C. The unpretentious production, pleasant cast, and intentionally cardboardish special effects all work to make this dumb little movie a nice companion to a bowl of popcorn. Stars: Ringo Starr, Barbara Back, Dennis Quaid, Shelley Long, Jack Gilford M.P.A.A. Rating: PG Year Released: 1981 Type of Humor: Burlesque Strong Language: One four letter word. Physical Violence: Slapstick Sexual Content: Pretty mild compared to what’s on network T.V. in the early 21st Century. Irreverence to social mores or religion: None Crudeness: Middle school crudeness Political Incorrectness: Well, this is one zillion B.C. Anyone who might be offended: Paleontologists (only kidding) Color/Black and White: Color Released by: MGM Home Entertainment A FUNNY THING HAPPENED ON THE WAY TO THE FORUM An energetic, gloriously funny film that has one of the most outstanding and perfectly cast gaggle of comedians ever assembled for one film. The time is ancient Rome, and Pseudolus the slave dreams (and schemes) to become a freeman. If there ever was an example to the rule that every solution creates new problems, A Funny Thing is that example. Every character, including bit players and extras, add joyfully to the irreverence of life being taken too seriously. Stars:  Zero Mostel, Phil Silvers, Buster Keaton, Michael Crawford, Jack Gilford, Annette Andre, Michael Hordern M.P.A.A. Rating: Not Rated Year Released: 1966 Type of Humor: Burlesque Strong Language: None Physical Violence: Some physical humor Sexual Content: Although Phil Silvers is a Roman flesh peddler, the sexual content is very mild by standards of the 2000's. Some scantily attired slaves. Irreverence to social mores or religion: Story takes place in pagan Rome Crudeness: Very little Political Incorrectness: Some might consider it sexist. Anyone who might be offended: No one Color/Black and White: Wonderful color Released by: MGM/UA Home Video THE COURT JESTER It takes a fool to make a fool out of those who think they are clever and in charge. Danny Kaye found the perfect straight man in Basil Rathbone (of Sherlock Holmes fame) and together they turn the Middle Ages inside out. There is lots of physical humor, witty dialogue, and interesting two-dimensional characters. A young Angela Lansbury also stars. Stars:  Danny Kaye, Basil Rathbone, Angela Lansbury M.P.A.A. Rating: Not rated. Year Released: 1956 Type of Humor: Situational Comedy Strong Language: None Physical Violence: For the most part slapstick Sexual Content: None Irreverence to social mores or religion: None Crudeness: None Political Incorrectness: None Anyone who might be offended: No one Color/Black and White: Color Released by: Paramount THE THREE MUSKETEERS There are many film versions of the Dumas story but none tell the story with as much joy and wit as the 1974 movie starring Michael York, Raquel Welch, Oliver Reed, Charlton Heston and many other great actors. While technically not a comedy (it’s classified as an action/adventure movie, sometimes a drama), the film is filled with laughs and high spirited humor and from my point of view is more a comedy than any thing else. The Three Musketeers are at times the Three Stooges of the 17th Century but with class and a gallant flare. Stars:  Michael Yor, Raquel Welch, Oliver Reed, Richard Chamberlain, Charlton Heston, Frank Finlay, Christopher Lee, Geraldine Chaplin, Faye Dunaway M.P.A.A. Rating:  PG Year Released: 1974 Type of Humor: Satire Strong Language: Musketeers are too gallant to cuss. Physical Violence: Loads, some rather graphic. Sexual Content: Discreetly portrayed Irreverence to social mores or religion: Cardinal Richelieu comes across as a cunning bad guy Crudeness: The 17th Century was not known for refinement Political Incorrectness: Although woman of the 17th Century were treated as less than equal, the principal female characters nonetheless stand as equals beside their males peers in their rich performances. Anyone who might be offended: No Color/Black and White: Color Released by:  Fox Lorber Home Video TOM JONES I have to admit that Tom Jones has been one of my favorite movies (if not my most favorite movie), since 1963 when it was released. I have seen this movie numerous times, and I’ve never grown tired viewing it.  This is England of the mid-18th century, a rowdy time of villains, debauchery, and scheming.  Still Tom Jones is full of sweetness, life and joy, all of which is made fuller by the wickedness and unpleasant people that Tommy and his real love, Sophie, encounter and must rise above, always with comic consequence. Tom is a handsome lad whose weakness for women (who seem a to have an equally strong weaknesses for him) causes a host of problems and complications. By the end of the movie a wiser Tom has endured many misadventures (including almost being hung on the gallows) and his underlying goodness is rewarded. Stars:  Albert Finney, Hugh Griffith, Susannah York, Joan Greenwood,  David Tomlinson, Lynn Redgrave M.P.A.A. Rating: Not rated Year Released: 1963 Type of Humor: Satire Strong Language: Mild, some 18th Century foul language Physical Violence: Mostly slapstick: One gruesome hunting scene and some brawling. Sexual Content: Lots of sexual situations but no nudity Irreverence to social mores or religion: The movie is based on the book by Henry Fielding which was a satire of the hypocrisies of his period. Crudeness: 18th Century crudeness Political Incorrectness: A lot of alcohol was consumed during this period in England and by today’s standards Tom and a goodly portion of the population had a drinking problem. Woman are treated somewhat stereo typically. Anyone who might be offended: Animal advocates Color/Black and White: Color Released by: MGM/UA Home Video