One of Woody Allen’s zippiest, most delightful outputs, a farcical black and white comedy with springy streams of dialogue and some choice episodes of clever absurdity. Playing the title role is Allen himself, who as a down-on-his-luck talent manager gives his character an uncommonly endearing, shabby nobility not seen in his other roles. While his acts are dopey and career unsuccessful, his hardwearing dedication makes him an underdog hero of Chaplin-esque vitality. Once the story becomes concerned with a spicy mistress (a fabulous Mia Farrow), vengeful gangsters, and helium tanks, things become more zany while only upping the charm. The riotous journey is made all the more special by an ending that brings a calm pathos to the preceding screwball comedy.