Laughter On The 23Rd Floor

Many of Neil Simon’s plays have made the transition to film with great success (THE ODD COUPLE and BAREFOOT IN THE PARK to name but a few). Others, including this one, have been less successful. Loosely based on the playwright’s tenure as a writer on “Sid Caesar’s Show of Shows,” the story unfolds through the eyes (and narration) of young Lucas Nader (Mackenzie Astin), a fledgling writer new to the staff of “The Max Prince Show.” Max (Nathan Lane), the Caesar character, is a hard-drinking pill-popping comic genius who is at constant odds with the network brass over his sinking ratings. His loyal writing staff, led by Russian-born Val (Mark Linn Baker), grows increasi...