Not so funny, actually

For some reason, I'd put A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum in our queue. Perhaps it was because it is inspired by the ancient Roman comedies of Plautus. (Interestingly, Miles Gloriosus is, in fact, a play attributed to Plautus and is the origin of the stock character in Roman comedies.) Perhaps I had the lyrics of a song caught in my head one day. I no longer recall why, but I figured we'd enjoy it anyway.

We didn't.

With more than half the songs cut, so, too, was most of the wit. Overall, it was very disappointing. I mean, how do you know how important Psuedolus's freedom is to him without him and Hero singing "Free"? And how do you understand the complexity of Domina's feelings for Senex without her conflicted yet impassioned "That Dirty Old Man"?

The best thing I can say for it is that it is, at least, mercifully short.

P.S. I should add, although it is probably obvious, that I love the stage version. It's only this movie that I am critiquing. I think the musical is great fun and horribly politically incorrect. My father played in the orchestra of a community theater's production (in the 70s, I assume) and my sister and I were raised knowing the words of the entire musical.