It's A Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World Reviews

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Good Points: Can be watched by the whole family. Very entertaining

Bad Points: none

General comments: It's A Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World boasts a multitude of comedy stars of the day including Milton Berle, Sid Ceasar, Mickey Rooney and Ethel Merman, this Oscar winning 1963 film is a bright, colourful comedy romp that can be watched by the whole family. The story starts in the Californian desert where eight travellers wirness a horrific car accident. They go to try to help the victim but the man (Jimmy Durante) is on his last breath when tey reach him. Being chased by the cops and now dying he tells of $350,000 that is buried under a big 'W'. Before he can elaborate he dies and the cops arrive. Our travellers decide not to say anything to the police so as not to hold them up and go on their way. Eventually curiosity and greed overcome them and they decide to work together to get the money - initially planning to share it amongst them all. The cops follow them unseen and relay their actions back to their Captain (Spencer Tracy) who is due to retire and wants to crack this one last case (for personal reasons as it turns out) there ensues a madcap race across country to get to the treasure; eventually it turns into an 'every man and woman for themselves' race and they use every trick in the book to get there before the rest. On the way they meet all kinds of people in cameo roles such as Terry Thomas, Phil Silvers, the three Stooges and Jerry Lewis amongst others. Eventually and after a hilarious ride they reach their destination and finally realise what the big 'W' is. I'll not spoil the ending but there are plenty of twists and turns as the film nears it's close. In all a highly enjoyable comedy film full of laughs that deals with greed and distrust and highlights just how far ordinary people are prepared to go for the sake of getting rich quick - recommended for a lazy Sunday afternoon this one.