Enter Laughing (1967)

Enter Laughing Poster

David Kolowitz, a nice young man living with his parents in New York City in 1938, works at a machine repair shop. His parents want David to study to become a pharmacist. But what he really wants is to be an actor like his idol, Ronald Colman. One day, at his friend Marvin's suggestion, David tries out for a part in a play, and gets it, despite his obvious lack of acting experience (not to mention ability). True, it's a rather small part in a low-rent production. Leading the troupe is a washed-up, alcoholic actor who hires David at the urging of his actress-daughter, who finds David "cute." To play his part, David must come up with his own costume - a tuxedo - and pay the house five dollars a week, ostensibly for tuition. But it is David's first acting job, one which calls for him to "enter laughing." And if it doesn't work out - well, there's always pharmacy school.

Intro to "Enter Laughing"
"Enter Laughing" is a funny movie released in 1967, directed by Carl Reiner and adjusted from Joseph Stein's 1963 play of the very same name. The play was itself based upon a semi-autobiographical novel by Carl Reiner. The film sticks out for its humorous take on a coming-of-age story embeded in the 1930s and showcases the goals and struggles of a young man trying to burglarize the world of acting.

Plot and Characters
The story focuses on David Kolowitz, played by Reni Santoni, an enthusiastic yet unskilled young man living in the Bronx. Eager to leave his present job as a delivery young boy in a sewing machine factory, David imagine ending up being a star. However, his traditional Jewish parents, Morris and Emma, represented by David Opatoshu and Shelley Winters respectively, have different expectations for his future, hoping he will become a pharmacist.

David's journey into the theatrical world begins when he stumbles upon an ad for acting lessons and the pledge of a function in a play, in the hopes that the acting job will pay more than his present position. Enthused by the idea, David auditions at the rundown Marlowe Free Theatre, handled by the washed-up and perpetually intoxicated Harrison B. Marlowe, played by Jose Ferrer, and his similarly colorful daughter Angela, portrayed by Elaine May. In spite of a dull audition, David's enthusiasm makes him a part in the play, mostly due to a misunderstanding.

As David starts his uncomfortable yet wholehearted efforts to learn the craft of acting, he quickly discovers himself entangled in a series of funny misadventures both on and off the phase. His romantic life likewise ends up being complicated. He is dating Wanda, played by Janet Margolin, a lovely girl from his area, however he also becomes infatuated with Angela, resulting in a hilarious and uncomfortable love triangle.

Throughout the film, David's naiveté and his determined pursuit of an acting profession amidst comical problems drive the story, offering a lighthearted look at younger ambition and the pursuit of dreams against all chances.

Styles and Humor
"Enter Laughing" effectively records the essence of youthful aspiration and the bittersweet nature of growing up. It's an age-old tale of a young person searching for their place on the planet, as David faces the pressure of household expectations while trying to carve out his own course. The film makes use of humor to explore these themes, typically through the lens of David's inexperience and oversights, making his journey both relatable and funny.

The interactions in between David and the eccentric theatre performers supply much of the movie's comedic background as they display a mix of oddball characters with their own peculiarities and goals. Furthermore, David's well-meaning but typically misguided efforts to stabilize his individual life with his newfound enthusiasm for acting deliver numerous laugh-out-loud moments.

Reception and Legacy
Upon its release, "Enter Laughing" received favorable evaluations for its appeal and comical approach. Although not a significant hit of its day, the movie has actually earned a cult following over the years, valued for its wacky humor and heartwarming story.

Carl Reiner's instructions supplied a classic yet timeless window into a world where enthusiasm and perseverance can lead to satisfying one's dreams, even when the odds seem overwhelming. "Enter Laughing" continues to be taken pleasure in for its comedic efficiencies and its representation of the unpredictable journey that is growing up and finding oneself.

In summary, "Enter Laughing" is an often-overlooked gem that records the essence of 1930s New York and the universal theme of following one's dreams, all while delivering laughter and heat. Its enduring beauty shows that the story of an underdog striving for something greater is a tale that never ever grows old.

Top Cast

  • José Ferrer (small)
    José Ferrer
    Harrison B. Marlowe
  • Shelley Winters (small)
    Shelley Winters
    Emma Kolowitz
  • Elaine May (small)
    Elaine May
    Angela Marlowe
  • Jack Gilford (small)
    Jack Gilford
    Mr. Foreman
  • Janet Margolin (small)
    Janet Margolin
    Wanda
  • David Opatoshu (small)
    David Opatoshu
    Morris Kolowitz
  • Michael J. Pollard (small)
    Michael J. Pollard
    Marvin
  • Don Rickles (small)
    Don Rickles
    Harry Hamburger
  • Richard Deacon (small)
    Richard Deacon
    Pike
  • Nancy Kovack (small)
    Nancy Kovack
    Miss Laura B
  • Reni Santoni (small)
    Reni Santoni
    David Kolowitz