The Funny Farm

The Funny Farm (AKA: The Comics) is about a group of young comedians who perform at a club called The Funny Farm. It's supposed to take place in Los Angeles but was obviously filmed in Montreal. The film has a cheap look about it but it does offer some real insight into the life of a stand-up comic, how to win over an audience, the importance of keeping the material fresh and the pitfalls of trying to build a career in such a shaky business. Peter Aykroyd (yes, Dan's brother) is great as one of the main comics. It's odd that he didn't have much of a career. Miles Chapin is also memorable as ths fresh-faced kid from Cleveland who comes to the Funny Farm to find his fortune. Oddly, Howie Mandel, the only one of the actors in this movie who really made it, is only so-so here. The Funny Farm is pretty tame, even by 1980s standards (no one uses Richard Pryor-like routines) but much of the movie rings true and is definitely worthwhile viewing for those thinking of trying out the entertainment industry as a career.