Review of What's Up, Doc? (1950) by Eyal D — 01 Dec 2013

A highly spirited romp that is just the right amount of silly that forty years later it can be considered a comedy classic. WUD still holds up mainly because it's so lightweight and, even more so, both improbable and impossible that you just go along with it for the ride.

And what a wild ride it is, as a lovingly familiar tribute to the screwball comedy of a bygone era, WUD throws in every single comic element possible AND then the kitchen sink. Director Bogdanovich is totally in control of the chaotic timing that spins the film making this kind of mayhem shtick a delight.

Streisand, in top form, commands the screen and takes everyone down with her. Right behind are Madeline Kahn as O'Neal's put-upon fiancee, save for her shrillness, which may cause some giddiness, and both Kenneth Mars and Austin Pendelton are hysterical, as respectively, a musicology competitor and a potential research investor.

The film also makes you realize that Ryan O'Neal was once a star and a top box-office draw. There's lots of fun to be had with WHAT'S UP, DOC? And that's all folks.