Lilah Krytsick is a mother and housewife who's always believed she could be a stand-up comedian. Steven Gold is an experienced stand-up seemingly on the cusp of success. When the two meet, they form an unlikely friendship, and Steven tries to help the untried Lilah develop her stage act. Despite the objections of her family and some very wobbly beginnings, Lilah improves, and soon she finds herself competing with Steven for a coveted television spot.
Acting
Field's desperate hunger meets Hanks' smug desperation.
Writing
The stand-up bits actually feel written by real comics.
Director
David Seltzer
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Real comedians like Mark Schiff and Barry Sobel appear in club scenes; Sally Field reportedly bombed at actual open mics to prepare.
This flopped in 1988 because audiences wanted Hanks lovable, not manipulative—predicting his dramatic pivot that wouldn't fully land until Philadelphia.
US
