Watch My Favorite Year

My Favorite Year is a 1982 film featuring Peter O'Toole, Mark Linn-Baker, and Jessica Harper. The movie takes place in 1954, and centers around the character of Benjy Stone (played by Linn-Baker), a writer for a variety show called King Kaiser's Comedy Cavalcade. One week, the show's producers manage to book a legendary actor, Alan Swann (O'Toole), as a guest star. However, Swann is notorious for his hard-partying, womanizing ways, and Stone is tasked with ensuring that Swann shows up for rehearsals and performs at his best.

The movie portrays the frenzied world of live television during the 1950s, when shows were broadcast live and everything was done on the fly. The comedy cavalcade is a hectic, boisterous place, with a cast of characters that includes Stone's boss, the high-strung King Kaiser (played by Joseph Bologna), his harried assistant Alice Miller (Harper), and a variety of eccentric performers.

Despite the chaos that surrounds him, Stone becomes increasingly enamored with Swann. He sees the actor as a larger-than-life figure, the embodiment of all his Hollywood dreams. He escorts Swann around town, introducing him to the sights and sounds of New York City, and even takes him to a raucous party filled with showbiz types. Through it all, O'Toole's performance as Swann is a highlight of the movie. He exudes charm and charisma, even as he struggles with his own demons.

As rehearsals for the comedy cavalcade progress, Stone must contend with Swann's increasingly erratic behavior. The actor becomes increasingly difficult to wrangle, leading to a series of mishaps and mix-ups. However, despite Swann's antics, Stone remains convinced that this will be the greatest week of his life.

The movie is both a love letter to the golden age of television and a heartfelt coming-of-age story. Stone is a lovable, bumbling character, but he has the heart and determination to make things happen. As Swann's arrival propels Stone into a world of glamour and excitement, he begins to realize that his own dreams might be within reach.

The film is also a testament to the power of nostalgia. As the characters reminisce about the past, they are reminded of a simpler, more innocent time. My Favorite Year is a celebration of that bygone era, with its brilliant performances, jaunty music, and colorful sets. It is a movie that transports the viewer back to a time when anything was possible.

Overall, My Favorite Year is a charming film with a lot of heart. The performances are outstanding, the script crackles with wit and humor, and the story is engaging from start to finish. The movie is a nostalgic trip down memory lane, an ode to the days when live television ruled the airwaves. It is a film about pursuing one's dreams, overcoming obstacles, and finding one's place in the world. Even today, nearly 40 years after its release, it remains a beloved classic.

My Favorite Year is a 1982 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 32 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.3 and a MetaScore of 62.