Punchline (1988)

My Review

“Punchline” shows that the stand-up comedy business is not all laughs. This mostly drama-based film tells the story of a talented young comic who helps a housewife break into a career as a comedian. There is a hint of “A Star is Born” (1937, 1954, 1976, 2018) in this movie directed and written by David Seltzer (“Lucas” 1986).

The cast is headed by Sally Field and Tom Hanks, both delivering marvelous performances in their patented and inimitable styles. Support comes from John Goodman, Mark Rydell, Paul Mazursky, Kim Greist, Taylor Negron, Damon Wayans, Angel Salazar, and Candace Cameron in an early performance in her career as Sally Fields’ daughter. The watchable “Punchline” was a modest success in theaters for Columbia Pictures, filmed in Los Angeles and New York City.