During the 1960s, Spencer Tracy starred in four films for producer/director Stanley Kramer. The first two were serious, noble affairs. "Inherit the Wind" and especially "Judgment at Nuremberg" were heavy dramas, Tracy's final film, "Guess Who's Coming to Dinner", was technically a comedy, but also relentlessly socially conscious.

"It's a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World", then, was a major departure for both Tracy and Kramer. It was a slapstick comedy of spectacular proportions, seemingly employing every stuntman and middle-aged comic in Hollywood. While Charlie Chaplin, Bob Hope and the Marx Brothers don't appear, the cast is otherwise loaded. The legendary (and some not so legendary) comedians include Milton Berle, Sid Caesar, Buddy Hackett, Mickey Rooney, Phil Silvers, Terry-Thomas, Jonathan Winters, Dick Shawn, Eddie 'Rochester' Anderson, Peter Falk, Jim Backus, William Demarest, Buster Keaton, Don Knotts, Carl Reiner, The Three Stooges, Andy Devine, Sterling Holloway, Arnold Stang, Stan Freberg, Norman Fell, Jimmy Durante, Jack Benny, and Jerry Lewis. Many of these comic actors only have one cameo scene.

Stanley Kramer wanted to make 'the comedy to end all comedies'. The seven million dollar budget went far in 1963, and the first cut of the film was over five hours in length. A team of editors pared it to under three hours, although some scenes have since been restored. As if the massive ensemble cast wasn't enough, there are also countless spectacular stunts. Everything was overdone: the cast, the acting, the stunts, the gags, the cinematography. "It's a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World" may be entertaining, but its true mission is to be impressive.

The story begins with a reckless car chase. Bankrobber 'Smiler' Grogan (Durante) is trying to flee the police, but instead has a horrific car accident. Bystanders rush to his side. Just before Grogan literally 'kicks the bucket', he tells the onlookers an incredible tale. He has buried $350,000 under a 'big W' in a park, several hours drive away. The witnesses argue angrily about how to divide the potential windfall among themselves. Unable to come to an agreement, it's every man for himself, and the race is on. The police, headed by Captain Culpepper (Spencer Tracy), quickly learn of the treasure hunt, and plan to confiscate the stolen loot once found.

Behind all the outrageous slapstick that follows is a constant theme. The average guy would do anything to get his hands on a fortune. Greed provides the motive for numerous assaults, thefts, and vandalisms. No risk is too desperate, no action is too humiliating. But men aren't the only fools here. While Edie Adams and Dorothy Provine mostly serve as pretty window dressing, Ethel Merman plays a bombastic nag, even more obnoxious than duplicious Otto Meyer (Phil Silvers).

Actually, "It's a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World" holds up fairly well. It's much better than some other big budget 'road' comedies, such as the "Cannonball Run" Burt Reynolds movies. Despite the film's length, there's hardly a dull moment. Sometimes the arguments become shrill, and the characters become too exaggerated (especially Dick Shawn's mother-obsessed wastrel). But there are many entertaining scenes as well, such as Jonathan Winters thrashing a gas station, and Buddy Hackett trying to land a plane. (60/100)



Recommended:
Yes