Mr. Saturday Night

Released 1992
Stars Billy Crystal, David Paymer, Julie Warner, Helen Hunt
Directed by Billy Crystal

Buddy Young Jr. (Billy Crystal) was the comic's comic, beloved by everyone. Now, in his 70's, he's playing to miniscule crowds in nursing homes. It seems everybody but Buddy realizes he should retire. As he looks for work in show business, he realizes that the rest of the world has forgotten his golden days, and there just may not be room in the business for an old comic like himself. More than that, though, this movie is about Buddy's relationships--especially the one with his brother, Stan (David Paymer). Buddy is a nasty, mean-tempered man who has walked on people throughout his life, and Stan has worked as his business manager for his entire career and wants to retire now. Their relationship is brilliantly realized, and this is a wonderful movie.

For some reason this film has been completely ignored. It did little business at the box office and not much in rentals. It was a personal project for Billy Crystal, and he said it took him two years to get over the disappointment.

David Paymer was nominated for Best Supporting Actor.

Summary by Bill Alward