It's a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World (1963)

Featured Audience Ratings

• Spencer S

  
  This is the perfect example of an epic comedy, one that spans time, venues, and types of comedy. Other films of this genre include The Blues Brothers and Blazing Saddles, though unlike those this is far more tame. This was in the days of family humor, and epics were per usual with… More
  This is the perfect example of an epic comedy, one that spans time, venues, and types of comedy. Other films of this genre include The Blues Brothers and Blazing Saddles, though unlike those this is far more tame. This was in the days of family humor, and epics were per usual with movie going crowds. Still, the characters are larger than life, using a lot of physical comedy, and the exclusively sixties plot device of misunderstandings. The best aspect of having watched so many films is the fact that so many big names came together to do this film, and naming them off as you see them is extremely entertaining. The entire film concerns a milieu of improbable characters who find a dying crook who tells them where he has buried hidden money stolen and untraceable. The band of misfits at first all decide to distribute the wealth accordingly, but after a series of fights they all strike out on their own, some chartering planes, others hitchhiking, all to the amusement of the watching police department in Santa Rosita. This surveillance team is headed by recently retiring and angst ridden Chief Culpepper, played by Spencer Tracy. The two larger than life characters are played by Ethel Merman, a busybody mother-in-law with the loudest yell I've ever heard, and Jonathan Winters, who single handedly destroys an entire gas station through sheer force. Mickey Rooney and Buddy Hackett are the comic foils, oftentimes saying boneheaded phrases, and crashing into things. There's even a very brief yet memorable cameo by Don Knotts, who interacts with Phil Silvers, famous for portraying Sgt. Bilko. There are some great effects, and though it's long for a comedy the full fledged character development and longwinded comedy work with this vehicle. It's zany fun, it's certainly a mad world.

• AJ V

  
  Don't hesitate to see this movie just because it's extremely long, it's worth it. This movie is really hilarious, and it's got a great story. It has action and excitement, and an intermission! This movie is enjoyable, I really liked it, and I highly recommend… More
  Don't hesitate to see this movie just because it's extremely long, it's worth it. This movie is really hilarious, and it's got a great story. It has action and excitement, and an intermission! This movie is enjoyable, I really liked it, and I highly recommend it.

• Mike S

  
  Call me narrow-minded, but never did I imagine that a movie this old, could be so wildly entertaining. And "wild" is no doubt one of the key words here, as it's one of the most suitable adjectives one can use you to describe the story. A wacky, adventurous and highly… More
  Call me narrow-minded, but never did I imagine that a movie this old, could be so wildly entertaining. And "wild" is no doubt one of the key words here, as it's one of the most suitable adjectives one can use you to describe the story. A wacky, adventurous and highly enjoyable treasure hunt, that paved the way for movies like <i>Cannonball Run</i> and <i>Rat Race</i>. Wonderful characters, superb directing and writing. An absolute gem and one of the best comedies of its time.

• ♥Robyn

  
  anybody who has ever been funny is in this movie! an oldie but a goodie!

• Anthony L

  
  A classic comedy with the greatest cast ever put together! A real favourite of mine, I must have watched it over 100 times and every time I?m in fits of laughter! They don?t make them like this anymore. It?s in the top 5 comedies of all time!

• Pierluigi P

  
  A truly epic comedy. superb cast and cameos, insuperable hilarious premise, pure classic slap-stick.

• Jennifer X

  
  a trifle long but the pace rarely falters. ethel merman definitely a highlight because she perfectly exemplifies the "mother-in-law". every time she comes on screen i grit my teeth and want to strangle her. literally. rat race is an updated version of this movie and i must… More
  a trifle long but the pace rarely falters. ethel merman definitely a highlight because she perfectly exemplifies the "mother-in-law". every time she comes on screen i grit my teeth and want to strangle her. literally. rat race is an updated version of this movie and i must say i like both of them for different reasons. however, what really really bugs me about this movie is that it is so incredibly sexist. every portrayal of a woman is negative, whether it shows her off as weak or useless or shrewish or annoying. all the women are completely dependent on men except for ethel merman's character, who deserves to fall in a snake pit. makes me mad!

• Jason S

  
  This was a funny flick with a ton of actors that people should get to know. It was later remade.

• Dean M

  
  Plenty of funniest scenes with car chases, accidents and flying.

• Byron B

  
  All the comedic talent in this movie is unbeatable! Zany!

• Matthew Y

  
  It's goofy, zanny, over the top, and absolutely ridiculous...and I just love it for that! It's a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World delivers what it's title promises, complete madness. Just when you think carnage and mayhem has hit ludicrous degrees, just wait cuz they've… More
  It's goofy, zanny, over the top, and absolutely ridiculous...and I just love it for that! It's a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World delivers what it's title promises, complete madness. Just when you think carnage and mayhem has hit ludicrous degrees, just wait cuz they've barely warmed up. Even if you don't know who anybody is you can love this movie for it's craziness as well as a marginal warning about how far the average person can go when fueled by obsession & greed. P.S. I never saw the Buster Keaton cameo. Where the hell is he?

• Burger S

  
  The original Scavenger hunt movie. So many cameo's!

• Marcus W

  
  Didn't know anybody in it, and didn't laugh. It's watchable, but ALL the characters are unlikeable and they all SHOUT ALL THE TIME. I wasn't sad when it finished.

• Marion R

  
  I didn't find this film as funny as most. overall I just thought it was okay.

• Doctor S

  
  "I...I cahn't see! I CAHN'T SEE!!!" Talk about stargazing. Cost-prohibitive to make such a movie these days, and the only comedy I can readily think of that sustains its laughs for three hours! My favorite character has to be Phil Silvers. "You're a… More
  "I...I cahn't see! I CAHN'T SEE!!!" Talk about stargazing. Cost-prohibitive to make such a movie these days, and the only comedy I can readily think of that sustains its laughs for three hours! My favorite character has to be Phil Silvers. "You're a little boy. If you want to be a big boy, WHICH WAY TO THE ROAD?!?!?"

• RJ M

  
  Stanley Kramer's epic comedy featured evey big comedy star of the day. When Smiler Grogan (Jimmy Durante) literally kicks the bucket, he tells a group of motorists about $350,000 buried in a state park "under a big W." This sets off a 300 mile race between groups of… More
  Stanley Kramer's epic comedy featured evey big comedy star of the day. When Smiler Grogan (Jimmy Durante) literally kicks the bucket, he tells a group of motorists about $350,000 buried in a state park "under a big W." This sets off a 300 mile race between groups of people to reach the money first. Along the way, they all pick up allies, either by accident or design, while not realizing they are under observation by the police, led by Spencer Tracy, who want the stolen money back. There are too many comedians in this movie to give credit to them all, but everyone is in great form. Stand outs include Jonathan Winters' destruction of a gas station, Dick Shawn's utterly clueless lifeguard whose convinced he's gotta save his momma, and Mickey Rooney and Buddy Hackett stuck in an airplane with an unconcious pilot. Epic in both length and laughs, you never feel lost as the cast continues to grow as the movie goes on. The characters are hilarious and dispicable at the same time. The movie is one long chase sequence, and you are easily carried along for the ride, not believing what these people are willing to do for easy money.

• Sean S

  
  The comedy greats get together in an all out comic chase for a million dollars. One of my favourite movies. Look for a breif cameo from the Stooges as airport firemen.

Read all 17 featured audience ratings