Watch Steve Martin: Comedy Is Not Pretty

Steve Martin: Comedy Is Not Pretty is a hilarious comedy film from 1980 that features the legendary stand-up comedian Steve Martin. The movie showcases Martin's unrivaled wit, charm, and comedic talent as he performs his iconic routines that made him an instant sensation in the 1970s. The film begins with a bang as Martin makes his grand entrance on stage, dressed in his trademark wild and crazy guise. He then launches into his first bit, a riff on the differences between the sexes that has the audience in stitches. From there, Martin runs through a series of skits, both classic and new, that demonstrates his versatility as a comedian.

One of the most memorable segments is a parody of a medieval jousting contest, in which Martin plays a knight who is ill-equipped for the competition. As he rides his hobbyhorse towards his opponent, played by the perennially befuddled Marty Allen, Martin's lance disintegrates, and he pulls out a toy gun instead. The ensuing mayhem is a laugh riot, as Martin and Allen engage in a mock duel that sends audiences rolling in the aisles.

Another standout bit is a parody of a magic show, in which Martin plays a magician whose tricks always go awry. In one scene, he attempts to saw a woman in half, but accidentally cuts off her head. Undeterred, he tries to put her back together with tape, only for her to fall apart again mid-performance. The physical comedy and Martin's deadpan delivery make this one of the film's funniest moments.

Comedy Is Not Pretty also includes a segment in which Martin takes on the role of a television evangelist. In an inspired bit of satire, he preaches the virtues of his own brand of Christianity, complete with the requisite histrionics and over-the-top enthusiasm. When he proclaims that God loves everyone, he adds, "Except me. I'm having a tough month."

Throughout the film, Martin manages to inject a sense of subversion and irreverence into what could have been straightforward gags. His routines take unexpected turns, and he is never afraid to push the envelope with his humor. Even in more sentimental moments, such as when he plays a lonely cowboy singing a plaintive ballad, Martin manages to subvert expectations and keep audiences guessing.

The supporting cast of the film is also worth mentioning. Marty Allen, as Martin's hapless sidekick, is an excellent foil for the comedian's zany antics. Richard Deacon, who plays the straight-laced host of a beauty pageant, is a standout in a hilarious sketch in which Martin's character attempts to disrupt the proceedings.

Ultimately, Steve Martin: Comedy Is Not Pretty is a masterclass in comedy. Martin's innovative use of props, physical comedy, and sharp wit make this film an instant classic. Despite being made over forty years ago, the film's humor has aged remarkably well, and its influence can still be seen in the work of modern comedians. Whether you are a die-hard fan of Steve Martin or a newcomer to his comedy, Comedy Is Not Pretty is an essential watch.

Steve Martin: Comedy Is Not Pretty is a 1980 comedy with a runtime of 48 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.4.