A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum (1966)

(On Cable TV, March 2022) Few experiences are so dispiriting as a film that should work but doesn’t, leaving audiences checking the time to see when it’s going to end. By all rights, there’s enough potential in A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum that it should at least be a passable film: a mid-1960s comedy set in ancient Rome but not afraid to go for anachronistic humour. You can find echoes here of Mel Brooks’ History of the World Part One, or other anachronic comic excursions in history. Director Richard Lester has a solid track record and lead actor Zero Mostel has talent as a performer, but even he can’t quite make the film click. Adapted from a Broadway show, it often shifts from plotting to sound, and plays along decidedly unsubtle lines. I’m as surprised as anyone to find that the film feels like a dud. It’s so eager to make anyone laugh, though, that I just may revisit it later.