Review of The Comic

A fascinating (yet flawed) film which displays obvious affection for and knowledge of the work and lives of the great silent comedians. Van Dyke, who actually knew Stan Laurel personally, is wonderful. However, director/writer Carl Reiner for some reason decided to take the worst personal problems from the lives of Chaplin (womanizing), Keaton (drinking), Langdon (ego), etc. - and bestow them all on Van Dyke's character, Billy Bright. Why this was necessary and the approach decided upon for this picture is still a mystery.