When it is strange that after 2 min. plate with sardines remains at the same place An interesting comedy of positions with an admixture of farce turned out in Bogdanovich. Here, a motley troupe led by the outstanding director Lloyd Fellowes tries to stage a play. Their efforts are overshadowed by neuroses, love affairs, philosophical thoughts, poor eyesight, the struggle with alcohol dependence, the eternal search for Celsdon and much more. Sometimes the troupe does not even understand why they are putting this particular play, or why at one o’clock in the morning the director arranges a technical rehearsal, which suddenly turns out to be a general one. But despite everything and against all odds, they will do it: with varying success, but they will cope with rehearsal, with the premiere, with touring and with personal problems. The main thing is not to get confused with sardines!
The film is beautiful in its simplicity. He's not trying to be a masterpiece, but in his genre niche, of course, stands out, and after a hard day's work, this comedy marvelously brightens up the evening. The picture, however, is funny, humor is generously impregnated with every episode of this work. And humor is not vulgar, not flat, not stamped. And the laughter is so sincere. Old, time-tested antidepressants like “Airplane”, “Hot Heads” caused similar consequences.
All in all, Mad Stages was a nice surprise to me — it’s a very kind old lamp movie that won’t upset you. The problems here are all solvable, the characters are never boring, the plot hits the key and, most pleasantly, not on the head of the viewer. There is nothing depressing, dull, life-sad and down to earth here. Just a kaleidoscope of positives. An hour and a half watching Mad Stages fly by quickly, and positive emotions do not let go long after.