Review of It's a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World (1963) by Tom K — 29 Mar 2013

I think they're arguing about something.

A group of individuals find a man dying by the side of the road that tells them a tale of buried riches. The group, composed of 8 people going separate directions in life, try to develop a plan to work together to find the money...but the plan falls apart and they decide everyone for themselves. As they search for the riches, more and more people get involved in the treasure hunt...even the police.

"Was he already dead when you got there?".

"Practically.".

Stanley Kramer, director of Guess who's Coming to Dinner, Bless the Beasts and Children, Ship of Fools, Inherit the Wind, and The Pride and the Passion, delivers It's a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World. The storyline for this picture is just okay. The film is only worth watching for its interesting characters and fun dialogue (though the bickering got old quick). The acting is just okay but the cast is impressive and includes Spencer Tracy, Milton Berle, Mickey Rooney, Ethel Merman, Sid Caesar, Dorothy Provine, and Jim Backus.

"This is a girl's bike. This is for little girls.".

I can say I have never been a huge fan of these types of movies (Rat Race as an example). I only watched this film because I am a fan of Spencer Tracy and couldn't go without seeing this infamous picture. Overall, this is an above average film with high production quality...the premise just isn't for me.

"Get in there and pitch a little for me, will you?".

Grade: C+.