The Prisoner of Second Avenue

Beautifully written and observed Neil Simon screenplay (an object lesson in balancing uproarious comedy with intense drama) is transferred masterfully to the screen, largely due to pitch perfect performances from both Lemmon and Bancroft, who bring much needed pathos to their potentially obnoxious characters. Supporting cast are all wonderful (love Stallone's appearance!) and director Frank avoids all the pitfalls of bringing what is essentially a stage-bound work to the screen.

Skillfully served by a cast largely populated by Jack Lemmon and Anne Bancroft, who launch vigorously sincere characterization as credible as the real Second Avenue and other New York locales captured by the Technicolor cameras.

New York City is a perpetual nightmare. Who knew.

Sly and F. Murray Abraham have cameos and Joel Schumacher is the costume designer. I didn't know Anne Bancroft is very talented for comedy.