Watch The Busy Body

The Busy Body is a 1967 comedy film, directed by William Castle, and stars Sid Caesar, Robert Ryan, and Anne Baxter. The movie is based on Donald E. Westlake's novel The Busy Body and centers around a down-on-his-luck P.I named George Norton (played by Sid Caesar), who is hired by a wealthy businessman to investigate an attempted murder on his daughter. The movie takes place in New York City and features a mixture of slapstick humor, unexpected twists, and turns, and an impressive ensemble cast of talented actors.

The film opens with George Norton (Sid Caesar) getting fired from his job as a detective, due to his penchant for alcohol and his bumbling and often silly behavior. In desperate need of money, George jumps at the opportunity to take on a new case from a wealthy businessman, Mr. Aspinwall (played by Robert Ryan). Mr. Aspinwall hires George to investigate the attempted murder of his daughter, who was attacked by an unknown assailant while she was sleeping in her bedroom.

As George begins to investigate the case, he quickly realizes that things are not what they seem. He soon discovers that the daughter's husband, Ray (played by Jan Murray), is having an affair with a nightclub singer named Miss Las Vegas (played by Kay Medford). Meanwhile, George's ex-wife, Helen (played by Anne Baxter), re-enters his life, and the two of them begin to rekindle their romance.

As George uncovers more clues, he finds himself embroiled in a web of deceit, blackmail, and murder. He is pursued by a menacing thug named Oggie (played by Godfrey Cambridge), who is hired to stop George from getting too close to the truth. Along the way, George must navigate a series of comic mishaps and close calls as he attempts to solve the mystery and exonerate his new clients.

The Busy Body is a fast-paced and highly entertaining movie, with a plethora of comedic set pieces and memorable performances from its ensemble cast. Sid Caesar steals the show as George Norton, delivering a performance that is both hilarious and endearing. His slapstick antics and deadpan one-liners never fail to elicit laughs, and his chemistry with Anne Baxter is palpable.

Robert Ryan is also excellent as the wealthy and enigmatic Mr. Aspinwall, bringing a sense of gravitas and menace to the role. The supporting cast, including Jan Murray, Kay Medford, and Godfrey Cambridge, all deliver memorable performances, adding depth and color to the film's many subplots.

The movie is also notable for its impressive production design, with the filmmakers effectively capturing the look and feel of mid-60s New York City. The cinematography is slick and stylish, and the film's musical score is both catchy and evocative of the era.

Overall, The Busy Body is a highly entertaining comedic thriller that deserves to be rediscovered by modern audiences. With its sharp writing, strong performances, and clever plot twists, the film is a testament to the enduring popularity of the screwball comedy genre. Fans of classic cinema, in particular, will appreciate the film's timeless humor and irreverent spirit.

The Busy Body is a 1967 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 41 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.5.