She Likes to Watch

Back in 1963, there was only one movie that promised action, non-stop laughs, and endless celebrity cameos: “It’s a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World.”

The epic comedy returns to the big screen tonight with a special screening at the Fremont Theatre in San Luis Obispo.

Trust us. You don’t want to miss this.

“It’s a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World” centers on the madcap treasure hunt set off by the dying words of a thief. He’s hidden a fortune – $350,000, to be precise – under a “big W” in the (imaginary) town of Santa Rosita.

What follows is the ultimate road move as a group of drivers including an English adventurer, a con man, a beatnik lifeguard and his overbearing mother scramble to find the loot first.

The cast is impeccable: Jimmy Durante, Spencer Tracy, Milton Berle, Sid Caesar, Ethel Merman, Mickey Rooney and a host of other stars.

The action is memorable.
The lines are unforgettable.
And the plot? It’s beautifully, hilariously ridiculous.

Director Stanley Kramer, known for powerful films including “The Defiant Ones,” “Inherit the Wind” and “Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner,” took a break from drama to make this epic comedy.

Chances are, this funny flick inspired cross-country comedies like 1976’s “The Gumball Rally” and 1981’s “The Cannonball Run.”

However, the “Mad” remake – 2001’s “Rat Race” – was a decided dud.
Entertaining as they are, stars like Cuba Gooding Jr., Whoopi Goldberg and the band Smash Mouth are simply no substitute for the classics.

“It’s a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World” starts at 7:30 p.m. tonight at the Fremont, 1025 Monterey St. in San Luis Obispo. Arrive a half-hour early for trivia and prizes.
Tickets are $7.50.
For more information, call 541-2141 or visit www.themovieexperience.com.

– Sarah L.