IT'S A MAD, MAD, MAD, MAD WORLD

CAPSULE REVIEW –– Despite it's all-star comedy cast, I wasn't really excited to see this picture. Part of my reluctance was due to the plot – group of vacationers race against each other to be the first and only to find a secret cache of cash – the rest was the 3 hour running time. Thanks to its enormously talented cast, amazing driving sequences and innovative stunt work, MAD WORLD is more enjoyable than it should be. I would have had a better time if it was an hour shorter. The plot is just too thin to sustain such a length. I realize they needed the time to give everyone their moment to shine, but the film really starts to drag in its' second hour. There's only so much double crossing, screaming and fighting one can take. That being said, all road pictures have stolen something from this flick. Berle, Caeser, Hackett and Rooney prove their genius in scene after scene. Jonathan Winters consistently had me laughing out loud. Though Ethel Merman was funny, her constant bitching starts to wear on the nerves towards the end. Tracy is supposed to be the voice of sanity, but proves otherwise. The final half hour picks up the pace with a wild cab driving sequence and a fire engine ladder rescue one has to see to believe. A raucous comedy that doesn't know when to quit. Worthwhile just to see the world's best comedians at work.