

Movie spotlight
A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum
A wily slave must unite a virgin courtesan and his young smitten master to earn his freedom.
Insights
Plot Summary
In ancient Rome, the slave Pseudolus schemes to win his freedom by helping his young master, Hero, win the favor of the beautiful Philia. His elaborate plans involve disguises, mistaken identities, and a series of chaotic encounters with a host of colorful characters, including a blustering general, a domineering wife, and a clueless slave owner. The story culminates in a madcap chase and a surprising revelation.
Critical Reception
The film was met with mixed to positive reviews, praised for its slapstick humor and energetic performances, particularly from Zero Mostel. However, some critics found the humor to be an acquired taste and the plot somewhat convoluted. It achieved moderate success at the box office.
What Reviewers Say
Praised for its vibrant energy and Zero Mostel's show-stopping performance.
The fast-paced, farcical humor is a highlight for many.
Some found the plot to be chaotic and the humor occasionally over-the-top.
Google audience: Audiences generally appreciated the film's comedic elements and the lively musical numbers, finding it an entertaining spectacle. Some viewers noted that while it was funny, it could also be quite silly at times.
Fun Fact
This film marked the final on-screen appearance of silent film legend Buster Keaton, who plays a small but memorable role as a slave carrying a scroll.
AI-generated overview · Verify ratings on official sources