Lewis and Clark, aka The Sunshine Boys, were famous comedians during the vaudeville era, but off-stage they couldn't stand each other and haven't spoken in over 20 years of retirement. Willy Clark's nephew is the producer of a TV variety show that wants to feature a reunion of this classic duo. It is up to him to try to get the Sunshine Boys back together again.
Acting
George Burns won Oscar at 80; Matthau's tantrums are masterclass.
Writing
Neil Simon's dialogue snaps like a vaudeville rimshot.
Production
Recreates 1970s TV studio and vaudeville era with loving detail.
Director
Herbert Ross
Walter Matthau
Willy Clark
George Burns
Al Lewis
Richard Benjamin
Ben Clark
Lee Meredith
Nurse in Sketch (Miss McIntosh)
Carol Arthur
Mrs. Doris Green, Al's Daughter
Rosetta LeNoire
Odessa, Willy's Nurse
F. Murray Abraham
Mechanic
Howard Hesseman
Mr. Walsh, Commerical Director
Ron Rifkin
T.V. Floor Manager
Fritz Feld
Mr. Gilbert
Phyllis Diller
Self
Steve Allen
Self
Jennifer Lee Pryor
Helen Clark
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Jack Benny was originally cast as Al Lewis but died before filming; George Burns came out of retirement and won his only competitive Oscar at age 80.
The film preserves vaudeville's 'old comedy' style just as it vanished—Burns and Matthau were literally the last generation who could perform this material authentically.
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