Noises Off... (1992) User Reviews

Crazy movie

[jhaggardjr · 8/10 · 12 December 2000]

"Noises Off..." is one crazy movie. Based on Michael Frynn's play, it's about an inept travelling theater group doing stage productions of a British sex farce. The problem with this play is that as each month passes by while stopping from city to city, the actors start getting at each others throats. Michael Caine is hilariously funny as the frustrated director who gets to the point where he can't bear to deal with his clumsy actors because of the tumult backstage. "Noises Off..." is filmed in three different parts. First there's the rehearsal just before opening night in Des Moines, Iowa. Next there's a stop in Miami Beach where we see almost all the action taking place backstage. Finally there's the stop in Cleveland where the show practically falls flat on its face. This final part of the movie felt like torture to me. Nevertheless, "Noises Off..." is very funny most of the time and I did laugh alot. Besides Caine, the great cast also features Carol Burnett, John Ritter, Christopher Reeve, Julie Hagerty, Marilu Henner, Denholm Elliott, Mark Linn-Baker, and Nicollette Sheridan. All give funny performances and that helps to make "Noises Off..." a very good comedy.

*** (out of four)

lots of fun, and a little sad

[blanche-2 · 8/10 · 11 October 2009]

"Noises Off" is based on a popular play. Directed by Peter Bogdonavich, it tells the story of a bedroom farce, "Nothing On," which is, in fact, a dud of a play - and what goes on backstage and on-stage as the actors rehearse, play out of town, and open on Broadway. Thanks to break-ups, jealousies, and drunkenness, the offstage happenings spill over into the play, as the actors grow to hate one another more and more. Anyone with experience in theater will love it the most, but it's fun for everyone.

The cast is top-notch - Michael Caine is the harried director, and the stars of the "play" are Carol Burnett, John Ritter, Christopher Reeve, Marilu Henner, Nicolette Sheridan, Mark-Linn Baker, and Denholm Elliott. Julie Hagerty is the near-hysterical stage manager.

There's a lot of slapstick and much "actor talk" with the actors searching for motivations; there's a drunk actor (Elliott) who pops up from time to time asking if it's his cue yet. (Soon, the cast finds his stash of booze and start chugalugging themselves.) Caine is terrific as a Valium-popping director driven to near-madness.

The play is much better than the film, even though the film is terribly funny.

Unfortunately, for me anyway, it's just terribly sad to see handsome, robust Christopher Reeve walking around and the talented, deceased John Ritter. Boy, life sure has some same twists. So does "Noises Off" - but unlike some of life's twists, these twists are accompanied by plenty of belly laughs.

The Fall and Rise of "Nothing's On!"

[theowinthrop · 8/10 · 21 June 2008]

I was lucky enough to catch the Broadway production of NOISES OFF in the 1980s with Dorothy Louden, Paxton Whitehead, and Linda Thornton (yes, "Tara King" from THE AVENGERS), and enjoyed the weird construction of the deconstruction of a farce in three acts. I have to say that Michael Frayne's play was wonderful at showing the difficulties of producing a farce (in this case a third rate one), and the toll of repetitive performances and back-stage relationships have on the production crew and cast. Frayne thought of everything. At revivals now I don't know if they include it, but in my copy of the PLAYBILL, Frayne inserted a fake PLAYBILL giving the idiotic careers of the stars of the show and the director and his crew. It was as funny as the show was.

Farce is at once the most popular form of theater and it's most difficult. To work properly everything must be timed and in place for the sequences to fall into clockwork like movements to the conclusion. All countries produce them. France produced a master of them in Georges Feydeau (see HOTEL PARADISO). But the British love them and at their best they occupy much of the West End and the major theaters in the rest of the isles. Frayne, of course, having his background in the theater is aware of this. But he is also aware of the worse part of it - that because of the popularity of the form too many hacks put their poor wits to it, and really make it tiresome.

Such is the case with this particular farce in NOISES OFF (Frayne purposely gives it the name NOTHING'S ON as a counterpoint to the title of the actual play). From the beginning (when the cast are being directed by Lloyd Fellowes (Michael Caine)) we are gradually being aware that the author of NOISES OFF demolished a key portion of the play's plot to explain an additional confusion and twist in it (it explains why one character has to be disguised as an Arab sheik in the play - but now that bit of business is meaningless). There are also split second timing problems that increasingly mangle the jokes and situations due to backstage bickering. Watch for Carol Burnett's performance as the the housekeeper. As the play goes through more and more disastrous rehearsals and productions Burnett's Mrs. Clackett is slowly having a nervous breakdown over the word "sardine".

Frayne has sexual interrelationships backstage between the lead players (Burnett, Chris Reeve, Marilu Henner, John Ritter, Nicolette Sheridan) as well as the production staff (Caine, Mark Linn-Baker, Julie Haggerty) create so much confusion and poison as to threaten the very health of the audience (Caine at one point hearing call after call over the theaters intercom system that the curtain will be rising in five minutes runs backstage announcing the incipient panic among the elderly retirees watching the play). Add to all this Desmond Elliot (in one of his last roles) playing the critical role in the farce of a burglar (who is supposed to end up in bed with Burnett) is a happy alcoholic who constantly misses his cues and proper entrance points (particularly if he has another fast one before going on). At one point Caine, Linn-Baker, and Elliot end on stage in the same role at the same time, reciting the same lines to the other performers!

The play is destined for Broadway in five months. Will it survive the road tryouts? Will the cast and crew survive without killing each other off? Watch this very funny film to find out.

One of the, if not THE, funniest movies I have ever seen.

[maer9 · 10/10 · 3 April 2005]

The timing, the plot, the acting, the variety of people, all of this make up a movie which literally had me crying with laughter for the entire second half of the film. I wanted to watch it again immediately, and likely would have if it hadn't been 2:30 am. The idea of the film is that these actors - playing actors - pull together, fight, and put up with each other to keep a play going. This is John Ritter as his amusing self, without going overboard. This is Christopher Reeve: tall, good looking, humble, funny. Carol Burnett being just ... HER. This is Julie Haggerty meek, mild, and under control. Mostly. This is Michael Caine, sly and cranky. Typecasting? NOOOO!!*grin* The whole cast is perfect for their respective roles. Tiny TINY bit of language, but otherwise something for a variety of ages. Find it, make popcorn, sit and watch - but don't eat the popcorn around the second half, you might choke.

Maer

doesn't need to use toilet humor to succeed

[bruinkid-2 · 10/10 · 6 July 2000]

I was only twelve years old when I saw this movie in the theaters. I could not stop laughing during the entire movie! Everyone in the theater (sadly it wasn't packed) burst out laughing at what seemed like every single line. Although the play within the movie is a sex farce, other than Nicolette Sheridan running around in her underwear, this movie is still appropriate for the whole family. Parents need not worry about covering their childrens' eyes or ears.

The entire cast was picture perfect in their comedic timing. The visual sequences backstage were stunning in their crispness, all the while making the audience have fits of laughter. I laughed so hard I cried, and this was when I was only twelve. Michael Caine is great as a hard-nosed director. Nobody does physical comedy like John Ritter. Carol Burnett's expressions in the movie are just priceless. And, this is one of the last movies Christopher Reeve made before his riding accident that left him paralyzed. I never knew he could do comedy, having grown up on the Superman movies, but seeing him as a bumbling idiot cracked me up. And kudos to the rest of the cast for a delightful comedy!

Having been involved in several productions in high school, Noises Off hits even closer to home, as the backstage shenanigans, though not as brutal, DO happen quite often, for those of you who've never done theater. I loved watching the movie again after I finished high school and had the experience of having performed on stage. Now there were experiences I could relate to, like two actors hating each other, love triangles (or even quadrilaterals!), and missing props. Backstage during a play can be one of the most hectic places in the world! And the cast superbly brings out the sheer insanity of it, to the delight of the audience.

Looking at the last 10 years, to be cliche, they just don't make movies like this anymore. Now the trend seems to be toilet humor like There's Something About Mary, South Park, and any Jim Carrey movie. Don't get me wrong, I loved the two movies mentioned above and laughed my butt off, but I laughed because of the toilet humor and the raunchiness. And this comedy made me laugh more than I ever have for any movie, bar none. It is all the more refreshing to see a comedy where toilet humor is not needed to leave the audience in stitches. A little sex humor, yes, but it is on the mild side, tame enough even for little kids. It is not about "let's see, what can we put in the movie to REALLY gross out the audience?"

So, go rent this movie today! It is worth however much it costs! If you have never done theater in your life, you will find it a nonstop comedy of errors. If you have done/are doing theater, you will love this movie on another level. Watch it by yourself; watch it with others. It really doesn't matter, but most likely you'll want to share this movie with your family, your friends, your loved ones, etc.

Great movie!

[rich_the_metal_head · 6 August 2004]

This movie is a great film, period. Great concept, great cast, great plot. The inherent problem is the fact that most of this humor, though very fresh, is lost on most people. Unless you have acted on stage in some facet, this movie is mere slapstick. I saw this movie when I was younger, before I started acting, and I liked it, but it just seemed kind of shallow. Now that I have some stage under my belt, this movie's humor is mindblowing, because the insanity is just that outrageous. I'm not saying people can't like this movie if they aren't actors, but it helps. What helps this movie as well is the intellect of the humor. Below all the slapstick site gags and bad happenings, the depth of the character development is vast and beautiful, making you really think that these people, in the end, hate each other.

A Brilliantly Hilarious Farce

[yo-c · 7/10 · 18 March 2016]

I wasn't sure what to expect going into this. I had started reading the play by Michael Frayn and decided to watch the film to get an idea of what it would look like. I was expecting a cheap movie with unknown actors and average cinematography. I was not expecting to see Michael Caine and Christopher Reeve in a hilarious romp that had me in stitches from start to finish.

The first act shows a troupe of actors rehearsing for their own farce, "Nothing On". This rehearsal would precede their first performance that night. But they are clearly not ready to perform. The rehearsal is constantly interrupted by forgotten stage directions, faulty doors, the absence of Selsdon (Denholm Elliott), Frederick (Christopher Reeve) asking about his character, Philip's motives and Brooke losing her contacts. You can feel the tension in director Lloyd (Michael Caine) as he realises how incompetent his cast is.

Things only get worse in the second act. This is by far the strongest act. After a few good and a few not so good performances, we now get a glimpse at behind the scenes of one of their performances. However, the cast now hate each other as they believe partners are cheating on them. The brilliance of this act comes from the fact that the actors try to remain silent behind the set and yet they are constantly trying to fight each other or mess with each other. A fantastic moment plays out as the actors attempt to swing an axe at each other only to have it snatched out their hands.

The third and final act once again shows the stage from the audience's point of view as the actors have become even more frustrated with each other and slowly drop out of their characters and veer more and more from their lines. Things drastically fall apart and the audience (of the film) is left chewing their fingernails in discomfort.

The farce that the actors are playing on stage is also brilliantly written in and of itself. At times (when the actors are properly performing the play) it is easy to forget that this is a play inside a play and get absorbed into the action of "Nothing On". It follows a host of characters as they race around a house trying not to let anyone else know they are there. It also involves sardines. A lot of sardines.

The cast do a brilliant job of both their film roles and their play roles. In the film they have American accents, but in the play they have British accents. This makes it clear when they drop in and out of their roles, which they do more and more as the film goes on. This blurred line between between their play character and film character is performed so perfectly as well.

The action plays out in a very cartoon-like way. This is true to the farcical style and works flawlessly. The constant flow of action as multiple things are working at once means the film can be watched over and over and something new can be seen every time.

The camera is never static and pans seamlessly between action as it shows a pair of characters doing one thing as another pair do something else. The dynamic camera puts you right in the action and makes you feel just as uncomfortable as the actors would be.

I was pleasantly surprised to see that the dialogue had been taken almost directly from the Michael Frayn's writing. Only a few words had been adapted to fit the American setting.

Overall, this was a uproariously good time and an excellent rendition of the original play. The film serves the play tremendously and is brilliant in its own right too. The cast have performed superbly and the cinematography was dynamic enough so that it still felt like a film and not a stage production.

Farce, Fast, Witty, and -- Sardines

[AZINDN · 10/10 · 15 October 2005]

"Noises Off" brings door-slamming hilariousness to the screen as an adaptation of the stage play. With the cast to die for: Michael Caine, Carole Burnett, Nicolette Sheridan, Julie Haggarty, Christopher Reeve, Denholm Elliott, and John Ritter, the storyline of a cast preparing for out of town run of a comedy quickly descends to back-stage antics, jealousy, lost contact lenses, and sardines at every turn. Peter Bogdonovich steers this witty production of a play, in a play, in a play with multiple staging's as dress rehearsal, opening night, and the worst night in Cleveland is turned into a Broadway triumph.

The initial opening dress rehearsal sets up the story of the play's characters, their original entrances and exits, key lines, and props if all went well. From then on, the production deteriorates with backstage gossip, romances, and fiasco mistakes that quickly become running jokes of missed timing, malfunctioning props, and erratic ego's out of control. Each character's quirks are their achilles heel and from start to finish, the play's momentum keeps the cast on their toes as they step on and over each other to curtain.

If you've ever done theatre at any level, this film is for you. It is simply the most hysterical comedy of timing and entrances. If you've wondered about theatre productions, this film is for you. And, if you just love the theater, this film is definitely for you. It is filled with trueisms that have happened, will happen, and could happen in all the disastrous and varied forms.

I caught this film originally on HBO and laughed so hard I had to buy the video. It is a wonderful film for great performances by the late actors, Reeve, Ritter, and Elliott, and their brilliance is all the more bittersweet by the excellence of their timing, physical humor, and read of the lines. For the sex is Desperate Housewife, Nicolette Sheridan in her underwear from moment one to last scene, on her knees, and blind as a bat without contacts. Michael Caine should have been acknowledged for this performance as he is so perfect as the harried director that it makes his work in drama all the better.

Each time I catch this film, it gets funnier and makes me laugh to tears. See it just to cry over what great talent has been lost too young, and just be amazed and amuzed at what great ensemble casting is all about behind and in front of the curtain.

Probably better on stage

[cricketbat · 6/10 · 22 August 2018]

This film probably plays better on stage, but this was still a fun farce and an entertaining look into what happens when a play goes horribly wrong.

Hilarious. Almost laughed my head off.

[hprill · 10/10 · 9 January 2002]

Michael Frayn's "Noises Off" is the farce to end all farces, a hilariously funny play that had me fall off my cinema seat repeatedly because I just couldn't stop laughing.

In it, a group of moderately talented actors attempts to perform a bedroom farce called "Nothing On", but their own incompentence and personal disagreements get in the way to result in perfect, bizarre chaos like nothing ever seen before on screen.

This is a long-time favourite on the stage, and Peter Bogdanovich has masterly brought it to the screen. It's all about timing, you see (oh yes, and "doors and sardines", as one of the characters puts it), and the timing is just perfect, which is quite an achievement, given the movie's extraordinarily fast pace.

I give this movie 10 points, not for depth (which there isn't), but for 90 minutes of perfect, witty, fast-paced and extremely funny comedy.

A farce that's actually funny

[ODDBear · 7/10 · 1 July 2005]

Door slamming farces have never fared well in my books. Yet I find this film to be the exception. Through an amazingly willing and talented cast, this simple premise is so well executed I found myself laughing out loud on many occasions. Though it's basically very silly and not believable in the least it's still so energetically played you can't help but be interested. Although, some trimming would have helped, I feel like it's about 10-15 minutes too long.

The cast is impeccable. Both Reeve and Ritter are fantastic, and it just makes you miss them that much more. Reeve especially is hilarious in his role, comedy obviously worked for him. Michael Caine is brilliant as the director of the play, never over the top, just always right on the mark.

If you like farces you'll love this movie. If you don't (like me) it's still very funny.

A little T and A goes a long way....

[sorrowfool · 9/10 · 11 October 2005]

I would have never, ever watched this movie. I passed it by many times without every giving it a second of a chance. I mean, I was 10 and this movie really held no interest for me. Then, one day, while scanning through the channels I came upon this movie when Nicollette Sheridan is running around in her underwear... well, that got my attention. That one thing held my interest long enough for me to get pulled into the story of the movie and by the time the movie was over... I loved it.

Even at my age this movie had me rolling with laughter. But now 11 years later, I caught the movie again and it was even funnier. The characters were great and were acted well by the all star cast. Christopher Reeve getting a nose bleed at the slightest sign of violence, John Ritters jealousy, Michael Caine's frustrations at trying to deal with the antics of his cast were all hilarious. Watching as the cast is arguing and fighting while trying to act out the scenes and keep Selsdon (Denholm Elliot) from alcohol was hilarity defined. I REALLY loved Marilu Henner as Belinda in this movie. I really fell in love with her character as I watched her run around trying to keep the peace. She always seemed to know what was going on and was always perky and her smile rarely waivered. Overall, the whole cast was great and it is one of my most unexpected favorite movies.

Play Doesn't Easily Translate Into A Movie

[tabuno · 7/10 · 20 January 2019]

21 March 2009. The movie version of the play can't even come close replicating the complex and risky physical comedy that live theater, if done well, explodes into a dazzling sheer hilarious and spectacular presentation in real time. A lot depends on exact timing and the audience knows it. The first and third acts in both the film and live theater productions are fairly similar and the tone of the comedy is approximate. Unfortunately, the movie version's second act, behind the scenes where the movie version breaks down and the liquor bottle comic antics are completely lost. It's hard to keep up with what's going on and the duplicity of the relationships in the movie version. Overall, the movie holds its own in the first act, loses a lot in the second, and is adequately, if not sharp and snappy in its delivery in the second. The movie has a number of great moments mostly due to the playwright's script. The movie is funny, but it just can't hold a plate to a Broadway production of the play. **Since the movie's release, it is with sadness that Christopher Reeves and John Ritter have since past away which in a way deflates the movie, until their performances and the rest of the cast is able to their credit transport us into the past and their live behavior on the screen.** 6/10.

More than 20 years later, Noises Off ages well as the memory of the brilliant stage performance fades in comparison. While not spectacular as a movie production, the movie seems to be more funny and more entertaining than originally seen, especially the second act. So while Noises Off might not come across as great, it has become a nice testament of comedy for the late Christopher Reeve, late John Ritter, and the late Denholm Elliot which Noises Off was to be his final movie. Definitely worth renting for the experience. Reviewed 4/3/2021. 7/10.

Good, but it doesn't equal a real stage performance.

[irvthom1-1 · 4/10 · 11 March 2007]

Having seen this twice as a stage production (and by two different companies!), I have to say that you are really better off seeing it done on stage. The film is good, but it actually suffers by comparison. I think a part of the reason might be that I HAD seen it previously, so that it did not hit me like it may hit most first-timers, and also that I had high expectations for it. But I think it actually works better on a real stage. The timing becomes REAL in a way that the known proficiency of camera technique is not able to match. This is a psychological effect, to be sure, but it cannot be discounted. Film editing, splicing, etc, along with retakes up to the necessary hilt are factors in the back of our mind in the watching of any film. But when this play is effectively performed in the get-it-right necessity of a real-life production, the effect is actually overpowering, and the humor is stunning. Go see it on stage if you get the chance.

That is really all I have to say about it, but since ten lines of text are required (which must be a new requirement, because many of the comments I've seen appear to be much shorter) I guess I'll just have to keep going . . . or else this very significant review will never get out there for you to see. It feels sort of like having to keep a filibuster going, in which they just talk about anything in order to use up time. A rather stupid rule, I should say. A good writer hardly needs to extend his wordage. I mean, I've said it as I wanted to say it.

Maybe the funniest movie ever made.

[BohemeLVB · 10/10 · 24 June 2001]

If you can keep up with this movie, you'll laugh from beginning to end. The movie that never stops. This movies rapid fire comedy can make you dizzy and it provides very few and small slow spots to catch your breath! The story of a inept theatre troope that just gets worse and worse, the closer they get to the bigtime. It reminds us that there is no business like show business. No business at all!

Comedy masterpiece!

[highlander702 · 10/10 · 24 December 2005]

You may have to see it a few times to catch it all, as it is very fast paced, but there's not very many movies that have made me laugh so much. An amazing cast with amazing acting. Often overlooked is the ability to maintain character without busting up laughing at what your co-star is doing...especially during long takes, which this movie has many of. The late, great John Ritter's performance is the glue that holds it all together, and Michael Caine's depiction of the pained and tormented director is brilliant. It is also a great show of diversity for the late Christopher Reeve, who is much more Clark Kent than Superman in this show. Nicolette Sheridan in her undies is certainly not hard to look at either!

Highly recommended...but don't just see it once, as I wrote before. It was a bit confusing on my first one. It is also fairly family-friendly, with only a couple obscenities exclaimed by Michael Caine in hilariously funny moments of frustration.

True

[Innsaane · 21 March 1999]

I am involved with the theater and I would just like to say that everything that happened in this movie is true! Anything and everything always goes wrong. It makes you truly appreciate what happens backstage, even when everything does decide to go right. I appreciate this movie to the fullest, and I would love to see the play sometime.

Theatrical Hilarity

[TRobson · 7/10 · 17 September 1998]

"Noises Off!" is a great movie, almost as good as the play, but not quite. The play hinges around an excellent ensemble performance, led by Michael Caine, who is simply fantastic as Lloyd. Carol Burnett, John Ritter, Marilu Henner, Christopher Reeve and Mark Linn-Baker are excellent additions to this cast, and it was nice to see them in roles different than their usual. The writing of the new material that was not in the play is horrendous, but what remains of Michael Frayn's original script is worth seeing over and over. Watch the movie, but then see the play.

Absolutely funny - laughed my soul out :-)

[liannse · 10/10 · 5 May 2006]

Amazing movie - would give it a 10.

Fast paced, never a dull moment - rib tickling funny.

Those who see movies after seeing ratings - Please - this once check this movie out before u see the ratings..........You will never regret it!! Worth every minute of it!!!!!!

Comedy is so difficult to get right - often gets stretched & repetitive in many comedy movies. Not so in this one - Its been timed to perfection & makes it worth the watch & a memorable experience!

The original character & feel of a play has been maintained throughout & carefully woven into a movie & at no point would it disappoint a movie audience who may /may not like plays.........beautiful balance between the "play" & the "movie"!

Do watch it.

Amusing at best

[warren-723-531846 · 6/10 · 26 April 2010]

I remember seeing a 'classic' British theatrical comedy as a teenager in London, 'No Sex Please We're British' in the late 1970's and my vague recollection was it was rather good fun and despite the farcical nature of the play; usually an anathema to a cynical 14 year old; I laughed. More than once. The live action added so much to the experience. 'Noises Off' is a film about the staging of a similar production but we get to see the farce behind the farce. Or at least that appears to be the intention.

Unfortunately I did not laugh once. I smirked and appreciated the talents of the actors involved. The cast is on the whole pretty good (Carol Burnett, Michael Caine, Denholm Elliott, Julie Hagerty, Marilu Henner, Mark Linn-Baker, Christopher Reeve, John Ritter, Nicollette Sheridan, Kate Rich) and all involved do a more than passable job with the script. This comment may appear contradictory to the overall summary I have given, but I am truly baffled as to the "tears of laughter", "you'll laugh from beginning to end", "I could not stop laughing during the entire movie!", " Completely hysterical!" and other hyperbole used by many of the 'critics' on this site about this film.

I can see how the original theatrical production would have worked as a live performance and the complexity of action would have been very funny on the stage. But as a film? While it is indeed a well written piece of theatre, as a comedy film, it looses so much in translation, it just isn't that good.

So, worth seeing? Yes - but do not expect too much. If you buy this DVD, on a comedy scale, expect it to be amusing at best.

This is one of the most true movies about the inner workings of theater. All the gory and hysterical details!!

[twilightrose_1 · 10/10 · 15 February 2006]

I grew up on this movie, and am an actress. This is a movie that every want-to-be actor or actress must see.

There is nothing like watching this movie with anyone who has ever done any form of acting on stage.But even if you have not done a day of acting in your life, this will still cause you to split your seams laughing.

Christopher Reeves and John Ritter alone are worth the movie, but you also get the wonderful comedy of Carol Burnett, Michael Cain, and Nicollette Sheridan.

A powerhouse comedy for the ages.

Backstage much better than on stage

[SnoopyStyle · 6/10 · 9 July 2015]

Director Lloyd Fellowes (Michael Caine) is panicking over the Broadway opening of his play "Nothing On". The movie flashes back to the final dress rehearsal in Des Moines, Iowa six months ago. Actress Dotty Otley (Carol Burnett) has put her life savings into the play and brought in senile alcoholic mentor Selsdon Mowbray (Denholm Elliott). She's sleeping with younger co-star Garry Lejeune (John Ritter). Frederic Dallas (Christopher Reeve) is questioning every move after his wife left him. Lloyd is sleeping with clueless Brooke Ashton (Nicollette Sheridan) who keeps losing her contacts but he's also sleeping with stage manager Poppy Taylor (Julie Hagerty). Belinda Blair (Marilu Henner) rounds out the cast in the play and Tim Allgood (Mark Linn-Baker) is the stagehand worked to the bone. Later, there is the famous matinée in Miami Beach where everything goes haywire as relationships blow up.

The play within the movie is a rather unfunny British farce. That may be the point of the movie but it's not funny to watch. It's a lot of slamming doors, running around and people speaking in various levels of semi-British accents. In contrast, the behind the scenes with Noises Off is a frantic fun ride. It's a throwback to the silent era slapstick and it's wonderful. I may not be following everything but it's loads of fun anyways. It's a great 20 minutes but the rest is not as much fun.

Perhaps the most perfectly executed comedy you will ever see.

[Scaramouche2004 · 10/10 · 22 October 2008]

Who was it that said, "Comedy is all about Timing?" Well whoever said it must have just watched Noises Off, as it is probably one of the best examples of true comedy timing ever brought to the screen.

It follows a troupe of actors attempting to bring a 'farce' to the stage despite the entire performance falling down around their ankles, as personal disputes, dodgy scenery, missed queues, and backstage accidents take hold.

Michael Caine is delightful throughout as the humourless director, desperately trying to bully a reasonable performance out of his unhappy band of players, who include Christopher Reeve, John Ritter, Carol Burnett, Denholm Elliot and Nicolette Sheriden.

The film is basically split into three parts, the first third of the movie shows us how the play should be performed, introducing us, the flies on the wall so to speak to the important lines, the queues, the nature of the farce etc, which we then relate to later on when it is destined to all go so wrong. Even this segment is not without its problems as we see fluffed lines, confusing prop issues and the basis for future disagreements between the cast and crew become apparent.

Fast forward a few weeks and we see another performance of the play, this time all the action we see takes place back stage, in the wings and behind the scenery as the comical slapstick feuding reaches fever pitch. We can here the dialogue of the play on stage as the cast silently fight behind the scenes, with weapons, bottles and props, being passed from character to character as their off stage antics threatens their entrances and exits, their lines and the overall smooth running of the play.

Another few weeks later we see the play reach Cleveland and it's way to its big Broadway opening and the cast have practically given up, ad libbing and bringing their off stage issues right onto the stage and into the audiences lap.

The action is so fast paced that it is hard to describe just how great and funny this film is, it just has to be seen to be believed. And anyone who has performed on stage and perhaps even acted out a farce, will appreciate just how brilliant the whole cast were and how their individual performances were just spot on.

A nice angle in which to look at this film is that it is a group of actors playing farce on the stage and not quite managing to get it right, yet their offstage antics become the most perfectly performed farce you will ever see.

I defy anyone not to enjoy this film enormously.

Noises Off, D.O.A.

[conono · 6/10 · 5 July 2007]

Fortunately, enough of the stage script survives its transfer to film that attentive viewers can tell why "Noises Off" remains one of the funniest farces ever to visit the Theatre.

But somewhere along the way from stage to screen, "Noises Off" became calcified and entirely lost its edge. It's played broadly here by an able cast, all of whom clearly loved it on stage as well and now share the blame for this thoroughly noisy, but unfortunately moribund comedy show.

Clearly, the film's severest critics in this conference are those (like myself) who enjoyed the show on stage in London or New York. If you didn't have that privilege, it may actually work to your advantage as you can come fresh to the film--and many, clearly, have enjoyed it tremendously. For myself, however, I remember laughing so hard in a Broadway theatre one night that my eyes flooded with tears. Didn't happen here, alas.

Hard to ruin such a great play, but these performances succeed

[altereggo123 · 2/10 · 19 August 2017]

Wow. There are some big names in this film, and a fair amount of talent, but this was probably the wrong ensemble for an adaptation of Michael Frayn's witty farce. They may be well-known for their American sitcoms, but for the most part they did not succeed here.

John Ritter (R.I.P.) is, sadly, so bad that he single-handedly ruined it for me. In the original, the actors are supposed to be amusingly inept, but he was just inept. I wish I could feel he was doing it on purpose, but he delivered his lines so badly that he ruined some very funny material. It's ridiculous to hear Christopher Reeve, plainly American, worrying about the Inland Revenue. If you're going to make it American, make it American. The gulf between Michael Caine, who delivered as always, and the other actors, who were unequal to the material, was too great. Carol Burnett was an exception, a great trouper, and Denholm Elliott was fine. Just a sad waste, matching talent with the wrong material.

I wish someone would remake this film with different casting decisions.