peter otoole be at the height of his comic power in this wonderful homage to errol flynn and the 50 and and early live tv . alan swann ( otoole ) be a swashbuckling and aging and alcoholic actor bill to appear on television which be fine until he realise that the thing be go to be broadcast live and which be unthinkable . this prompt severe stage fright and heavy drinking and a he be cojoled with endless patience by his adore young minder and benjy stone and ( mark linn baker ) . the film be funny and brilliant and sad and stir and inspire and excite unique . the cast be perfect from top to bottom a tour de force by otoole . watch it . my favorite year should become one of your favorite film . positive .