There ought be no doubt how great this movie is. But you have to realize that plenty who see it watch just the circus acts (all of which are universally ace) and miss the subtle perversions that point again and again at the human condition. All satire, good humour and circus/physical comedy does this, but rarely does the vehicle become a vehicle for another vehicle. Closest I can think of is BK's front of house/back of house short where he's asked for Zouaves and offers a cigarette (is that The Play House? 1921?). Anyhow this movie has to be watched. You watch it. You don't do the ironing. You don't text your best mate. you w.a.t.c.h. it. Or else, you miss it. Every insight is brilliant, every laugh comes easily and hits dead centre. Does the suited man fear failure and ridicule, the mule, or the wife. Do they differ?
Anyone who thinks bits of this movie are dull, or decided to comment on the cardboard cutouts in the audience are recommended to watch the movie again when they are, say, fourteen years older.
Review of Parade
