direct by richard benjamin and my favorite year be a film that i saw for the first time a few month ago and love instantly . i think it so very underrated and that a shame because it have so much to offer . the story be all about young assistant and aspire comedy writer benjy stone ( mark linn baker ) who work at the 30 rock studio in the 1950 . everyones excite by the news that a hollywood legend the actor alan swann ( peter otoole ) will be guest star on one of their live show a sketch about muskateers . well of course everyones thrill but there just one small problem . alan be a notorious hell raiser who have a reputation of be drunk when he not work . so benjy be set the task of stay with swann to make sure he show up for the show sober . and so begin a week he will never forget a he befriend by his childhood hero and learn a thing or two about life from a man who see it all and life for today not tomorrow . this will have you laugh and cry i find it a fun and surprisingly touching and poignant film . peter be just superb a the fading actor and i find it fun to see him play swann a a mix of errol flynn and himself and i think there some douglas fairbanks in there as well . some priceless scene involve him include swann try to go off with another man girl at the stork club and an unforgettable incident involve a fire hose and an apartment building . oscar nominate again for his work here peter lose yet again and that a shame because he excellent and show he have a real gift for comedy . other performance to keep an eye out for include lainie kazan a benjys mum belle who tell alan a few home truth and lou jacobi a benjys uncle morty . funny and poignant and well act this be one that deserve more attention than it have and be one to watch especially if you need cheer up a classic .