Punchline (1988)
Punchline (1988), an American comedy-drama film written and directed by David Seltzer and distributed by Columbia Pictures, follows the story of Steven Gold, a struggling medical student who also happens to be a stand-up comedian. While his medical studies prove to be a challenge, his comedic skills come naturally. However, when presented with an opportunity for success, he buckles under pressure. Enter Lilah, a devoted homemaker with dreams of becoming a comic herself. While she possesses raw talent, she lacks Steven’s expertise in the craft. Initially, Steven pays little attention to Lilah. But after being thrown off course by the unexpected arrival of his father and brother – both doctors – Lilah’s unwavering support wins over Steven’s heart and he begins to teach her the fundamentals of stand-up comedy.
Lilah has used her saved cookie jar funds to purchase jokes, and Steven has advised her to connect with the audience by sharing honest humor from her life as a wife and mother. Through this, she discovers a natural talent for making others laugh. As their friendship grows, Lilah and Steven confide in each other about their personal struggles: Steven’s desire for success conflicting with his inability to achieve it, and Lilah’s passion for comedy battling with her love for her family. However, as Steven starts displaying signs of emotional instability, he begins to develop romantic feelings for Lilah much to her dismay. She struggles to balance being loyal to her family and friend while staying true to her love of comed’y.
Date of download: 2015-11-11T17:22:34+00:00
Cast:  Sally FieldLilah Krytsick  Tom HanksSteven Gold  John GoodmanJohn Krytsick  Mark RydellRomeo  Kim GreistMadeline Urie  Paul MazurskyArnold |
Punchline (1988), an American comedy-drama film written and directed by David Seltzer and distributed by Columbia Pictures, follows the story of Steven Gold, a struggling medical student who also happens to be a stand-up comedian. While his medical studies prove to be a challenge, his comedic skills come naturally. However, when presented with an opportunity for success, he buckles under pressure. Enter Lilah, a devoted homemaker with dreams of becoming a comic herself. While she possesses raw talent, she lacks Steven’s expertise in the craft. Initially, Steven pays little attention to Lilah. But after being thrown off course by the unexpected arrival of his father and brother – both doctors – Lilah’s unwavering support wins over Steven’s heart and he begins to teach her the fundamentals of stand-up comedy.
Lilah has used her saved cookie jar funds to purchase jokes, and Steven has advised her to connect with the audience by sharing honest humor from her life as a wife and mother. Through this, she discovers a natural talent for making others laugh. As their friendship grows, Lilah and Steven confide in each other about their personal struggles: Steven’s desire for success conflicting with his inability to achieve it, and Lilah’s passion for comedy battling with her love for her family. However, as Steven starts displaying signs of emotional instability, he begins to develop romantic feelings for Lilah much to her dismay. She struggles to balance being loyal to her family and friend while staying true to her love of comed’y.
