The Sunshine Boys
Tags: comedy

Plot synopsis:
The play's protagonists are Al Lewis and Willie Clark. Lewis and Clark were once a successful vaudevillian comedy duo known as the Sunshine Boys. During the later years of their 43-year run, animosity between the partners grew to the point where they ceased to speak with each other. Eleven years prior to the events of the play, Al retired from show business, leaving Willie struggling to keep his career afloat.
Willie, now an old man struggling with memory loss, reluctantly accepts an offer from his nephew Ben, a talent agent, to reunite with Al for a CBS special on the history of comedy. Willie and Al meet in Willie's apartment to rehearse their classic doctor and tax collector sketch. The reunion gets off to a bad start, with the two getting into heated arguments over various aspects of the performance. However, thanks to the urging of Al's daughter, the two decide to go through with the performance.
Willie and Al's dress rehearsal at CBS' studio ends badly. Willie is enraged when Al repeats his old habits of poking his chest and accidentally spitting on his face. Al walks off the stage in regret, while Willie has a heart attack as a result of his agitated state.
Two weeks later, Willie is under the care of a nurse as he recovers from his heart attack. Upon Ben's recommendation, he decides to move into an actors' home in New Jersey. Al, concerned about Willie's well-being, comes over to visit. When the two talk, it is revealed that Al will be moving into the same home as Willie.
Neil Simon was inspired by two venerable vaudeville teams. The longevity of "Lewis and Clark" was inspired by Smith and Dale who, unlike their theatrical counterparts, were inseparable lifelong friends. The undercurrent of backstage hostility between "Lewis and Clark" was inspired by the team of Gallagher and Shean, who were successful professionally but argumentative personally. Other sources say this is based on Weber and Fields.

Review: Here we're 20 minutes into the film before we get to the scene that opens the play, where Ben Clark comes to see his uncle and tell him about the comedy special.
THE SUNSHINE BOYS (1975) ***1/2 Walter Matthau, George Burns, Richard Benjamin.
Extremely funny and warm-hearted adaptation of Neil Simon's play about two stubborn vaudevillians teaming up one last time for a tv special despite the fact they haven't spoken to one another in years.
I didn't really understand the humor back then, but this movie can make me laugh out loud.With all due respect to George Burns (RIP), Walter Matthau really deserved the Oscar for this film.
No enchilada!!") Absolutely hilarious!Kudos to Richard Benjamin, who played straight man to Matthau.I just wish this was on DVD, because my VHS recording is getting a bit old.I had no interest in seeing the remake with Woody Allen, because in no way can it match the original..
Creaky, cranky ex-Vaudeville stars played by Walter Matthau and George Burns are teaming up for a TV comedy special.
Taking over roles that Jack Albertson and Sam Levene played on Broadway, Walter Matthau and George Burns play a couple of old time vaudeville comics, a team in the tradition of Joe Smith and Charles Dale who seem to have a differing outlook on life.Walter Matthau can't stop working, the man has never learned to relax, take some time and smell the roses.
He also gave it an additional twist in 1973 with THE SUNSHINE BOYS, a Broadway hit starring Jack Alberson and Sam Levine as Al Lewis and Willie Clark, the aged, semi-retired Vaudevillians.
The 1976 film starred Walter Matthau as Willie, and George Burns as Al.In actuality, Al probably does not think totally badly of Willie - Willie is pathological on the subject of Al. First Al had little habits, such as accidentally spitting slightly when pronouncing words beginning with the letter "t", and slightly jabbing Willie with his index finger, on stage.
The question is if they will complete the scene in the finished program or will Willie wring Al's neck?The three leads, Matthau, Burns, and Benjamin, do very well with the one-liners, frequently reminiscent of vaudeville patter (example: "Chest pains...I'm getting chest pains Uncle Willie.
Burns (whose last involvement in any film was in THE SOLID GOLD CADILLAC in 1956 as the narrator) turned in such a fine performance that he got the "Oscar" for best supporting actor, and was to have a career in movies in the next decade in such films as OH GOD!; OH GOD, YOU DEVIL; and GOING IN STYLE.
Matthau seems to had been born to play Willie Clark (of course, Oscar moreso in the Odd Couple), and with all of the little idiosyncracies and mannerisms that Matthau crams into the character (the line where he is arguing that he is with it since he lives in the city whereas Lewis lives in the country that Lewis is "out of touch" is the quintessential example of this) make this one of the best performances I've ever seen of any actor in any role, be it comedic or drama or whatever else.
THE SUNSHINE BOYS was the hilarious 1975 screen adaptation of Neil Simon's play about a retired vaudevillian team, played by Walter Matthau and George Burns, who had a very bitter breakup and have been asked to reunite one more time for a television special or something like that.
This warm and winning comedy is a lovely valentine to a forgotten form of entertainment...vaudeville and it works mainly thanks to one of Neil Simon's better screenplays and outstanding work by Matthau, Burns, and Benjamin.
Burns won the Best Supporting Actor Oscar for this, but I think Matthau walks away with this film with his flawlessly hilarious performance as Willy Clark.
THE SUNSHINE BOYS is a warm and winning Neil Simon comedy which shines thanks to unbeatable chemistry between Matthau and Burns..
After all, it's called acting.Walter Matthau and George Burns (who won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor) play the roles to a tee.
To my shame I haven't seen many of Burns' old movies and after seeing him shine so brightly here makes me feel I've missed out on a wonderfully talented gentleman.Matthau is always in top form in these kind of Simon comedies: notably Plaza Suite & The Odd Couple.
Matthau works best with Jack Lemmon but the exception is made big style in this movie with Burns sweeping the floor (and the honours) with all before him.The comedy is gentle rather than slapstick or too kinetic, which really matches the acting qualities of the two ageing stars.
Neither stars dominate the screen although it's fair to say that Matthau's physical presence sometimes over powers the frail old man of Burns, and yet the elder statesman returns the favour with a much more intelligent & humourous choice of lines.A great film which I heartily recommend to anyone who likes gentle comedies, great script and wonderful acting****/*****.
Two great comedians in a great Neil Simon movie based on his hit play.Great combination, especially when the comedians in question are Matthau and Burns.
And Matthau is every bit his match, if a tad more crotchety.This is familiar Simon territory: two old vaudeville partners reunite for a TV special but still can't stand one another after all these years.It's a delight to watch these two pick at each other, their scenes together make this film an absolute delight.
Walter Matthau is merciless on us playing an aged vaudeville performer talked into reuniting with former comedy partner George Burns for a television special (it's said they were a team for 43 years, which begs the question "how long did vaudeville last, anyway?").
Burns, who won a Supporting Oscar, has the misfortune of coming to the film some thirty minutes in, after which time Matthau has already blasted the material to hell and back.
Director Herbert Ross only did solid work when he wasn't coupled with one of Neil Simon's screenplays; here, Ross sets up gags like a thudding amateur, hammering away at belligerent routines which fail to pay off (such as semi-incoherent Matthau showing up at a mechanic's garage to audition for a TV commercial).
It sure might have been a very different movie had they been able to go with this original casting decision.The film begins with a young agent, Ben (Richard Benjamin), waiting for his Uncle Willie (Walter Matthau) to meet him at a tryout for a commercial.
Eventually, Ben comes up with an absolutely insane idea--reunite Willie with his old Vaudeville partner, Al (George Burns).
Can these two super-annoying men manage to put aside their animosity in order to make a reunion appearance on TV?While George Burns received an Oscar for his performance, he was clearly not the leading man in the film--hence his Best Supporting Actor award.
Excellent acting, script and also a lot of fun.By the way, Neil Simon and the rest really did a good job of re-creating the whole look and style of the comedy duo.
It was a killer year for leading-actor competition; if only there were separate Oscars for comedy and drama, then I think the Best Actor Oscars would have gone to Al Pacino for "Dog Day Afternoon" and to Walter Matthau for "The Sunshine Boys" -- not to dis Jack's fine work as McMurphy, but I think that Pacino and Matthau were each CLEARLY more masterful and astoundingly effective and downright legendary in their performances than Nicholson was that year.
(Burns's fine-as-ever but unexceptional-in-itself return to show biz beat Brad Dourif's truly brilliant debut in "Cuckoo's Nest," not to mention Chris Sarandon's stunning debut in "Dog Day Afternoon" -- which I think proves my theory.) Oscar theories aside, here's my bottom line review: If you like Matthau's comic acting, then see this movie and savor his powerhouse tirades and wonderful grandmother-inspired gestures, fleeting facial expressions and seemingly unscripted asides.
A good performance (as usual) by Matthau as a grump, but especially good was that of George Burns, with some fantastic one-liners and acidic put downs - his timing and deadpan delivery was excellent.
Although maybe the physical side was a bit miscast (Matthau towers over Burns), the verbal performances were great and made up for it.After all the huffing and puffing the actual 'Doctor' sketch was not all that good, a shame that when compared to the rest of the dialogue, the wit was missing from it.Enjoyable for a one-off viewing, be prepared to fidget at times but perseverence is rewarded.6/10..
It's this overdone aspect, I think, that demotes the movie from comedy's A-list, despite the many positives.On the whole, Matthau is pretty persuasive faking an old man, while 80-year old Burns doesn't have to fake it.
I love the irony of this comedy duo's inability to amicably work together actually making their behind-the-scenes stuff play like a classic comic couple.
Willy Clark (Walter Matthau) and Al Lewis (George Burns) used to be a famous vaudeville comedy duo.
I love Neil Simon's work; George Burns- one of the funniest straight-man of all time; Walter Matthau among my favorites- How could this all-star lineup finish in last place?The opening scene of the pigeon standing on George M.
answer: quietly, deadpan, and with perfect timing as George Burns does here.I know nothing of Vaudeville but this remains a favourite film, the two leads are hilarious, the script funny, the direction and pacing very fine.
The lead characters in this film are rather annoying bickering old men and therefore they are hard to like, however Walter Matthau and George Burns do a good job playing them.
Well this is a personal review, and my still living grandmother at age 97 (she even outlived Walter Matthau's magnificent impersonation of her!)would deny it -- but some of you must find resonance in these characters.Secondly, I have little tolerance for George Burns, but somehow he turned in one of the finest supporting performances I can recall (and my late grandmother even enjoyed it, although failing to recognize the remarkable similarities she shared with the film character).Very ethnic in flavor, and over the top, you will either laugh and laugh or turn this off.
The Neil Simon's Sunshine Boys starring Walter Matthau and George Burns is a funny comedy on the strange bond to the life and its shortness, but the laughter always bitter taste.
Seeing Willy Clark(Matthau) and Al Lewis(Burns) two big theatrical  comedy actors now reduced on the imbecility from the hard and unceasing old age you can feel only anger and blue.
The Neil Simon's screenplay give a certain corrosive spirit to the story and the melancholy and blue overwhelming the many gags and laughter succeeded to generate a good mix also thanks to a great couple Walter Matthu(Nomination Academy Award as Best Actor) and George Burns(Won the Academy Award as Best Support Actor).
The combination of Neil Simon, Walter Matthau (possibly the world's best living comic actor), and the late lamented George Burns make for a comic masterpiece.
I forgot to mention--two "cranky" ex-vaudevillians to be exact.It's the cranky humorous jibes between WALTER MATTHAU and GEORGE BURNS (in his Oscar-winning role at 79), that makes the film.
The supporting cast does what they can to keep things flowing at a smooth pace, but it's really almost a two-character story with Matthau and Burns both on their toes delivering some ripe lines.RICHARD BENJAMIN makes little impression as the nephew who comes up with the idea for a TV reunion.
But his greatest accomplishment is not being overshadowed by a greater performance.Walter Matthau's Willy Clark is one of the greatest performances by an actor in a comic role ever captured on film.
And the performance itself nearly didn't happen.A few years prior, Matthau received an Oscar nomination for playing an old man, the title character in "Kotch," directed by his friend and frequent co-star, Jack Lemmon.
Matthau runs the complete range of delivery, never overplaying, never reaching for comic effect, but keeping it a real acting performance.Richard Benjamin has long held the reputation of being a great utility guy in the business, not only as an actor, but as a director as well - he helmed the superb "My Favorite Year." He does a serviceable job as Willy's nephew/agent, hitting the right notes of exasperation, dedication, and love along the way.
He wasn't the first choice, either.For years, George Burns told a story in his stand-up act about working on "The Sunshine Boys." He said that the director, Herb Ross, told the actor playing the nephew that, at a certain point, he would go into the bathroom."Why?" the actor asked."Whaddya mean 'why?'" Ross replied."Well, if I'm going into the bathroom, I need to know what my motivation is." "You just had lunch." "What did I have?" "What did you have?
An old vaudeville team of Willy Clark (Walter Matthau) and Al Lewis (George Burns) were one of the best known but they broke up hating each other.
Willy's nephew/agent (Richard Benjamin) tries to get them to work together.A big hit in its day and it won George Burns an Oscar for Best Supporting Actor.
Walter Matthau and George Burns were a famous vaudeville comedy act, Lewis and Clark, who haven't spoken in over 10 years.
There's even old clips of actual stars of the golden era to get you into the groove of the film, and character actor Fritz Feld starts it all off with a "pop." Rosetta LaNoire, who started out in the 30s in theater with Orson Welles and later was Grandma on "Family Matters," is great in a small role.The only problem I had with it (and maybe I'm being too picky and/or serious) is the way Matthau treats Burns when they first meet.
Also, I'm used to seeing Matthau act that way in other movies, but not to George Burns.
All in all, if you need a consistently funny film to help and forget your troubles, put in "The Sunshine Boys." They'll lift your spirits and make you think of a simpler time and way of life.Benjamin: "You have to slide it." Matthau: "Wait, wait.
This makes no sense given the singular specialness of this film, perhaps the best Neil Simon ever wrote.Walter Matthau plays Willy Clark, once half of a legendary vaudeville comedy known as Lewis and Clark, now a bitter 73-year-old solo act who can't get a job in a potato chip commercial.
His nephew and agent Ben (Richard Benjamin) is sure he can get work if Willy will only agree to reunite with his estranged partner Al Lewis (George Burns) for an ABC-TV celebration of show business nostalgia.Nostalgia is what "Sunshine Boys" has going for it in spades, right from the start when a series of 1920s film clips showcasing various entertainers from long ago flickers before us to the accompaniment of Cole Porter's "Be A Clown".
"89 years old and just like that, he dies of nothing'" Willy says of one old songwriting friend, before deciding the man probably died from writing a song that rhymed "lady" with "baby".Burns won an Oscar for his understated performance as the gentle but steely Lewis, but it's Matthau who brings this one home, his make-up and proud but ragged bearing really selling you on the idea he was already 73 when he made this.
You never get the feeling you are watching a movie, one of "The Sunshine Boys" many charms, and Ross's direction, like the acting of the three principals, goes a long way toward achieving that end.Comedy is hard, especially when the subjects are people watching life pass them by, but "The Sunshine Boys" makes it all seem a pleasure, because, for us watching, it is..
He was at his best in Neil Simon comedies such as 'The Odd Couple' ( 1968 ), and, of course, this, also based on a stage play.
He plays 'Willy Clark' an elderly comedian who, back in the days of vaudeville, was half of a popular double act with 'Al Lewis' ( George Burns ).
It's like "The Odd Couple" forty years on, only this time with a mediator, Richard Benjamin as Matthau's agent/nephew, the harried young man with the chest pains.Both men may be frail and scatterbrained but Burns is at least sane, while Matthau's character is a bitter curmudgeon filled with dislike and sometimes outright contempt for everyone, even those who try to help him.
I'm 14, so you probably would think I have never heard of George Burns or Walter Matthau or anyone like that.
Let me say this, if you are a fan of George Burns or Walter Matthau, you should see this movie right away!.
The Sunshine Boys is a terrific comedy about two ex-vaudevillians who reluctantly reunite for a TV special despite the fact that they despise each other.The comic genius of two masters at work, George Burns and Walter Matthau are stellar!
George Burns may have won a (very nostalgic) Oscar for his performance, but Walter Matthau is the reason to see the film.
Basically forgetful ex-comedians Willy Clark (Golden Globe winner, and Oscar and BAFTA nominated Walter Matthau) and Al Lewis (Oscar winning, and Golden Glove nominated George Burns) were a great comedy duo, and a brought back together to revive their hospital sketch for a TV show.
Walter Matthau and George Burns played vaudeville stars of the past asked to reunite in a television sketch despite the fact that they can't stand one another.Ably assisted by Richard Benjamin, who plays Matthau's nephew and manager, there is non-stop hilarity as both aged men show their senile ways, but with perfect comic timing.Another reason why the film was so good was because reality sets in at the end when Matthau falls ill.George Burns was rewarded with a supporting Oscar for the role of Al Lewis, the part was to be played by Jack Benny, before he fell ill in real life.This is certainly an ode to a bygone era.