By Chlotrudis Independent Film Society
Rating: 5 cats
Director: Barry Poltermann | Frank L. Anderson
Country: united_states
Year: 2007
Running time: 87
IMDB: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0780046/
Chris says: ” Like most of you, I know Charles Nelson Reilly from his 1970s appearances on THE ‘Match Game:’ permanently seated on the panel’s upper right-hand corner next to his foil, Brett Sommers, he was that decade’s Paul Lynde, only nastier, crankier, and arguably a more inspired improviser.
“Hard to determine what’s more shocking: that Reilly is still alive (he’s in his early 70’s) or that he’s actually an accomplished stage performer, Tony award winner and acting teacher. This concert film is culled from the two final performances of ‘Save It for the Stage,’ his one-man show that ran for a few years earlier this decade. It’s essentially Charles telling us his very curious life story, taking us from an eccentric, near-tragic childhood in the Bronx with his institutionalized father and outspoken mother to his discovery of a love (and talent) for acting. We hear of heady, early days spent in Manhattan studying with a luminous who’s-who of contemporary performers, initially being barred from working on the boob tube because of his homosexuality, and making a triumphant comeback later in his career, popping up on game shows, kids shows, sitcoms and even an episode of ‘The X-Files.’
“Reilly relays his story with the passion, wit, and subtlety of a truly great actor. He proves himself a master of language, tone, and timing, revealing punchlines at just the precise, unexpected moment. Although it clearly condenses what is usually a three-hour stage show, this film is a sympathetic document that fully captures its essence. Involving from start to finish, THE LIFE OF REILLY is a fabulous substitute for the now-defunct show, and you can’t help but chuckle at the on-the-street interviews that open the film, for many of those questioned about Reilly also thought he was dead. 5 cats”