Funnyman

Years before he found fame as Jerry, the smooth-talking orthodontist on TV's "The Bob Newhart Show", Peter Bonerz co-wrote and stars in this independently-produced character portrait of an improvisational comedian in San Francisco. The narrative arc--that Bonerz, having just broken up with his live-in girlfriend, is bored with improv and lonely being a bachelor--isn't much of a draw, but the star certainly has a likable screen presence (and a great, self-assured comic's voice). As a calling card for bigger things, however, "Funnyman" doesn't represent a breakthrough. Peter Schickele's bright music score is a big asset. *1/2 from ****