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It's better than Downton Abbey. The first season of this is near-perfection. But it quickly goes downhill in its second season. The writers seem clueless as to how to relate to their audiences, or how to sustain story arcs. Like too many British series, they get rid of characters and bring in new ones constantly to keep it "fresh," instead of using fresh writing. Mrs. Thackeray is enjoyably performed, but far too boring a character to hold interest. Jean Marsh knew how to keep her character interesting. But she's gone, and so is Atkins.

Mysteriously, Hallam and the Duke of Kent seem to have the intensity of lovers, yet that is not explored, nor is the truth of the relationship of the King and Mrs. Simpson. That is chicken-hearted writing. Once the marvelous theme music is distorted, so is the show. And it is too political, where that was fairly minimal in the original. Stoppard is remarkable, but seems too sensual for a character so restrained, unlike the Duke of Kent, whose lips seem to fairly quiver with desire. I think they simply chose the wrong era for the series. The 1950s-60s would have been very interesting. And the ideal would be doing that, and bringing Patsy and Edina in as new residents.

This movie captures all the youthful energy, excitement and frenzy of the early 1980s. It abounds with characterization, sight gags, and good performances all around. It's not at all trashy like so many Troma productions. This one could actually pass as a Hollywood production, but it's so New York! It also captures the nuttiness of restaurant work in memorable ways. It's zany as can be. And Jim Harris as the lead is impeccable, scrumptious and utterly adorable while totally funny.

Some of the faces here look familiar, though only one may have made it to a major tv career. Harris should have had one doing sitcoms. He would have been perfect to play Rhoda's love interest on that show. I'm afraid many of these cast members may have been taken from us by the AIDS epidemic. That was the price of the times. Reagan soon shut down all the fun. By 1984, it was all over, the nation turned nasty and so did the humor.

Visually, it is as funny as Airplane! And actually has more integrity. Few gags are overdone or overplayed. The editing is very skillful. And the amount of nudity is nicely balanced between male and female.

This is a masterpiece of a film filled with masterful performances. Zero Mostel is utterly outrageous, fearless, daredevil, astonishingly clever and versatile. You never know what Peter O'Toole will do next. The only actor underused is Jack Hawkins. Jeanne Moreau is magnificent, fully equal to Sophia Loren, and perhaps much better than she would have been in this role.

The dialogue is brilliant and stimulating, as one would hope for from George Bernard Shaw. But just as fine are the musical score by the Great Dmitri Tiomkin, and the ever-surprising choreography by Paddy Stone. The extended dance scene is monumental in scope and achievement. It is the centerpiece of the entire movie. This movie is simply stunning.