Mr. Saturday Night

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Mr. Saturday Night

R

1992

1h 59m

Comedy

Drama

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

57%

Tomatometer

28 Reviews

38%

Popcornmeter

5,000+ Ratings

Given his success in the early days of television, you'd think that Buddy Young Jr. (Billy Crystal) would be coasting happily into retirement alongside his wife, Elaine (Julie Warner). Instead, Buddy is an acerbic blowhard who alienates his brother, Stan (David Paymer), and everyone else who fails to bow to his bullying. His agent, Annie Wells (Helen Hunt), has positioned elderly Buddy for a big movie role, but his irreverence might come back to bite him one last time.

Critics Consensus

Billy Crystal's flawed directorial debut can't seem to decide whether it wants the viewer to love its protagonist or hate him, but it features fine work from Crystal and his co-stars.

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Nell Minow

Movie Mom

Jun 19, 2003

3/5

Great performances, flawed script.

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Roger Ebert

Chicago Sun-Times

Jan 1, 2000

3/4

It's a very personal project; [Crystal] not only stars, but co-wrote the screenplay and makes his directing debut. This is like an autobiography of how he might have turned out.

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Gary Wolcott

Tri-City Herald

Dec 14, 2023

5/5

Crystal's portrait is flawless... It's a performance worthy of an Academy nomination for best actor.

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Steve Warren

Southern Voice (Atlanta)

May 9, 2023

This movie won't settle for funny when it can tug clumsily at the heartstrings.

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Danielle Solzman

Solzy at the Movies

Dec 30, 2022

3.5/5

Mr. Saturday Night is a solid directorial debut for Billy Crystal and feels like the most personal film of his career.

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Malcolm L. Johnson

Hartford Courant

May 29, 2018

in Mr. Saturday Night, Billy Crystal nimbly makes the big leap from amiable (if sometimes irritating) funny man to serious, but not-too-serious filmmaker.

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Andrew S

@Malasita Feb 18, 2026

Don’t know if it’s supposed to be serious or comedy. Buddy sabotages himself and can’t stop from ruining every chance he gets.

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Harvey K

@Harvey658 Dec 31, 2025

I'm Jewish I'm funny I'm funny I'm Jewish

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Dec 2, 2021

One of the most underrated movies I've ever seen. Flawless acting, hilarious jokes and outstanding characters. No wonder it's finally been made into a Broadway play. Do yourself a favour and enjoy this masterpiece.

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steve d

@RT35616104 Jul 10, 2020

An unfunny comedy that doesn't work at any level.

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Dec 15, 2019

The most tragically underrated and ignored movie ever I showed it to 5 friends, of all different ethnicities, and the absolutely LOVED IT! Poignant, warm and hilarious Great casting, from Paymer (Oscar nomination)., Warner, Ron Silver, Jerry Lewis (cameo)., Jerry Preach, Helen Hunt

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Aug 9, 2017

A love letter to the comedy industry. Should be required viewing for any comic who dares trod the boards.

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Billy Crystal

Director

Billy Crystal

Buddy Young, Jr.

David Paymer

Stan

Julie Warner

Elaine

Helen Hunt

Annie

Mary Mara

Susan

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Synopsis

Given his success in the early days of television, you'd think that Buddy Young Jr. (Billy Crystal) would be coasting happily into retirement alongside his wife, Elaine (Julie Warner). Instead, Buddy is an acerbic blowhard who alienates his brother, Stan (David Paymer), and everyone else who fails to bow to his bullying. His agent, Annie Wells (Helen Hunt), has positioned elderly Buddy for a big movie role, but his irreverence might come back to bite him one last time.

Director: Billy Crystal
Producer: Billy Crystal
Screenwriter: Lowell Ganz, Babaloo Mandel, Billy Crystal
Distributor: Columbia Pictures, New Line Cinema, Image Entertainment Inc.
Production Co: New Line Cinema, Castle Rock Entertainment, Face Productions
Rating: R
Genre: Comedy, Drama
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Sep 23, 1992, Wide
Release Date (Streaming): Apr 28, 2017
Box Office (Gross USA): $12.6M
Runtime: 1h 59m
Sound Mix: Dolby SR, Surround, Stereo

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