Through unprecedented backstage access and candid interviews, the film weaves through the absurd world of the working comedian and reveals a crazy and hilarious psychological profile of its practitioners. We also follow retired comic Ritch Shydner's attempt to climb back on stage after a thirteen-year hiatus. At the top of his game in the 1980's, Shydner had HBO specials, shot five pilot TV shows, and numerous late night appearances (Carson, Letterman, Leno, etc.) but the big time eluded him. Equipped with the collective wisdom and nutty musings of over 80 of his peers, he gives it another shot. Does Ritch have what it takes to connect with today's young crowds and still get the laughs?
Production
Unprecedented access to comedy's most vulnerable moments.
Writing
Raw, unfiltered wisdom from 80+ working comics.
Direction
Brady balances archival nostalgia with present-day stakes.
Director
Jordan Brady
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Director Jordan Brady was himself a working stand-up in the 80s, making this a disguised autobiography of his own fears.
Shot during comedy's pre-#MeToo era, the film captures an industry about to face massive reckoning — watch for who'd be canceled now.
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