Mr. Saturday Night (1992)

My Review

Billy Crystal hit a few bumps in the road in his directorial debut, which he also starred in. “Mr. Saturday Night” is the uneven story of the life and career of fictional stand-up comedian Buddy Young Jr. Producer-director-writer-star Crystal could not decide whether to make Young loveable or irritable. This unfocused direction and performing made the picture a bit less than watchable.

The talented cast helped make the movie bearable, at least. David Paymer, Julie Warner, Helen Hunt, Jerry Orbach, Ron Silver, Mary Mara all did well here. (Paymer was nominated for an Oscar for Best Supporting Actor.) Cameos include Jerry Lewis, Carl Ballantine, Slappy White, and Jackie Gale. The unwatchable “Mr. Saturday Night” was a flop at the box office for Billy Crystal, Castle Rock Entertainment, New Line Cinema, Face Productions, and Columbia Pictures. It was filmed throughout the Los Angeles area.