Rating: R
Genre: Comedy
Theatrical Release: 10/02/1998(USA)
Release Date: 05/18/1999
SubTitles: Espanol/English
Dubbed: English/French
Sound: 2
Run Time: 101 Minutes
Flags: Adult Situations, Profanity
Distributor/Studio: 20th Century Fox

Actor Stanley Tucci made his directorial debut with a strong cast in this Depression Era farce focusing on two struggling two New York actors. In opening scenes, Maurice (Oliver Platt) and Arthur (Tucci) fabricate a fake fight at an outdoor cafe, do acting exercises, audition for a theater director (Woody Allen in an uncredited cameo), stage a pastry shop argument (to get food), and watch over-the-top, Barrymoresque actor Jeremy Burtom (Alfred Molina) on Broadway in Hamlet. Later, Burtom overhears himself insulted by a drunken Maurice and gives chase, forcing Arthur and Maurice to hide in a box. When they awaken, the box has been moved onto a luxury liner bound for France. To evade Burtom, they pose as stewards, meeting passengers and crew members: Staff director Meistrich (Campbell Scott) fancies head stewardess Lily (Lili Taylor), who goes for ship detective Marco (Matt McGrath). Others on board include Greek wrestling enthusiast Sparks (Billy Connelly); a former European queen (Isabella Rossellini); a suicidal lounge vocalist (Steve Buscemi); and a revolutionary (Tony Shalhoub) planning to bomb the liner. Shown in the Certain Regard section at the 1998 Cannes Film Festival.

~ Bhob Stewart, All Movie Guide

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Cast:
Oliver Platt - Maurice
Stanley Tucci - Arthur
Teagle F. Bougere - Sheik
Elizabeth Bracco - Pancetta Leaky
Steve Buscemi - Happy Franks
Billy Connolly - Sparks
Alan Corduner - Captain
Hope Davis - Emily
Dana Ivey - Mrs. Essendine
Allison Janney - Maxine (Maxi)
Richard Jenkins - Johnny (Frenchman)
Matt McGrath - Marco
Alfred Molina - Jeremy Burtom
Isabella Rossellini - Queen (Veiled Woman)
Campbell Scott - Meistrich
Tony Shalhoub - First Mate
Lili Taylor - Lily
Lewis J. Stadlen - Bandleader
Woody Allen - Theater Director [uncredited]

Production:
Stanley Tucci - Director
Stanley Tucci Beth Alexander - Producer
Gary De Michele - Composer
Suzy Elmiger - Editor
Stanley Tucci - Screen Writer
Catherine Davis - Set Designer
Chris Shriver - Art Director
Ellen Lewis - Casting
Ken Kelsch - Cinematographer
Juliet A. Polcsa - Costume Designer
Jonathan Filley - Executive Producer
L. Justin Muller - First Assistant Director
Margot Core - Musical Direction/Supervision
Andrew Jackness - Production Designer
William Sarokin - Sound/Sound Designer
Andrei Belgrader - Artistic Advisor

Twentieth Century
    John Barrymore / NR / 1934
The Whole Shebang
    Stanley Tucci / PG13 / 2001
A Night at the Opera
    Groucho Marx / NR / 1935
The Hudsucker Proxy
    Tim Robbins / PG / 1994