The World's Greatest Lover

For his sophomore directorial effort, Gene Wilder decided to lampoon the silent era of film with the hysterical 1977 comedy The World's Greatest Lover.

Studio head Adolph Zitz, Dom DeLuise, is tired of losing money on his pictures because a rival studio has Rudolph Valentino under contract. Zitz decides to hold a contest to see if he can find the world's greatest lover and find a new star to knock Valentino from being the box office king. A baker named Rudy Hickman, Wilder, dreams of being a Hollywood star and decides to enter the contest. During his screen test, his nerves get the best of him and he thinks he blows it. Zitz however see's something in him and hires him. Even though it's what Rudy has always wanted, his new found fame puts his marriage to the shy Annie, Carol Kane, to the test.

All the of the leads, all Mel Brooks alum, are terrific. If you look closely, you will see Danny Devito in a small role, pardon the pun, as an assistant director.

This is a fun and loving tribute to the golden era of Hollywood.

It's available on dvd.