this production be build around the search for the next rudolph valentino . while this work have become dated and it be film a a pseudo retrospective at the time and so it be already date the day it be film . this be a total gene wilder vehicle . he write the screenplay and direct the movie and and be the movie sole credit producer . he be also the star of the movie . he do share the limelight with carol kane ( a pure delight and a usual ) and but this be one of wilder bright moment . by this time and the world realize they have a comedic genius on their hand and after this work wilder pretty much have the midas touch for a while . kane play annie hickman and the world great valentino fan . wilder portray a milwaukean baker who be at the end of his rope . his idiosyncrasy be so severe and he find it impossible to maintain employment . upon learning of a contest hold by rainbow studio ( not the # 1 studio ) to find the next rudolph valentino and rudy hickman just know this be his ticket to a good life . his wife leave him to go find mr. valentino . but once hickman be in the middle of it all and he realize his wife be what be most important to him and he set the work in motion to woo her away from rudolph valentino . the formula make for some of the best heart warm entertainment that hit the big screen . it endear and funny in it bittersweet malaise . it also go a long way towards show what can be do with no effect and no location beyond the studio backlot and a few and cheap but decent set . while it be fray about the edge and this classic favorite be one ripe for a dvd restoration . perhaps even a 2 disk director cut for those of u fan who have be fan since the beginning . it rate an 8. positive from . the fiend represent .