Noises Off (film) A less-than-stellar American acting troupe attempts to put on a wacky British sex farce entitled “Nothing On.” The cast lumbers through a last-minute run-through under the direction of the exasperated Lloyd Fellowes, then the camera swings backstage for a behind-the-scenes view of the chaos going on there, as the actors vent their frustrations and jealousies. The play is shown to an unenthusiastic preview audience who barely sit through a disastrous full production complete with missed cues, misplaced props, and missing actors. Thinking that his career will be ruined after the Broadway opening, the director has hidden in a bar until the final curtain when he hears the cheers of approval from the audience. His motley acting crew has somehow turned out a hit after all. Released on March 20, 1992. Directed by Peter Bogdanovich. A Touchstone film, with Amblin Entertainment. 104 min. Stars Carol Burnett (Dotty Otley/Mrs. Clackett), Michael Caine (Lloyd Fellowes), Denholm Elliott (Selsdon Mowbray/The Burglar), Julie Hagerty (Poppy Taylor), Marilu Henner (Belinda Blair/Flavia Brent), Mark Linn-Baker (Tim Allgood), Christopher Reeve (Frederick Dallas/Philip Brent), John Ritter (Gary Lejuene/Roger Tramplemain), Nicollette Sheridan (Brooke Aston/Vicki). This was Denholm Elliott’s last film; he died shortly after its release. From the Tony Award-nominated play by Michael Frayn. Released on video in 1992.
