The Comic (1969)

Lying in a casket at his funeral, a legendary comedian (Dick Van Dyke) of silent cinema reflects on his life, his stardom and his downfall, especially his ego which ruined his career. Directed by Carl Reiner (THE JERK). A box office flop upon its initial release, the film's reputation has grown over the ensuing years. On the plus side, its recreation of silent cinema is excellent and a never better Dick Van Dyke has the physical sensibility of the great silent movie clowns like Buster Keaton and Charlie Chaplin. He also handles the dramatic requirements of the movie quite well. There's also fine support from Michele Lee (who should have had a bigger film career) and Mickey Rooney (he's pretty terrific here). But director Reiner can't sustain the film and the movie's last half hour meanders in search of an ending. Despite its flaws, the movie ends up as a love letter to silent comedies and the film's strong performances make it worthwhile. With Cornel Wilde, Steve Allen, Pert Kelton and Nina Wayne.