A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum is a 1966 farce musical comedy film, based on the stage musical of the same name. Inspired by the farces of the ancient Roman playwright Plautus – specifically Pseudolus, Miles Gloriosus and Mostellaria – it tells the bawdy story of a slave named Pseudolus and his attempts to win his freedom by helping his young master woo the girl next door. The film was directed by Richard Lester, with Zero Mostel and Jack Gilford re-creating their stage roles. It also features Buster Keaton in his last motion picture role, Phil Silvers, and Lester... favorites Michael Crawford, Michael Hordern and Roy Kinnear. The musical was adapted for the screen by Melvin Frank and Michael Pertwee from the stage musical with music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim and a book by Burt Shevelove and Larry Gelbart. They rearranged the plot and cut most of the songs. The movie was not well-received when first released, and, although it did turn a profit, the creators of the musical have frequently expressed their dissatisfaction with it. This film takes place in the city of Rome sometime during the reign of Emperor Nero.
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