Mr. Saturday Night

'Mr. Saturday Night' is a comedy film produced, written, directed, and starring Billy Crystal. It marks Crystal's directorial debut with an original story. Released on September 23, 1992, the film received a lukewarm reaction from critics and was a box office failure, grossing 23 million dollars worldwide against a budget of 43 million. Only David Paymer finds joy with the film by receiving an Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actor.

The movie follows the rise and fall of Buddy Young Jr., a fictional comedian and character created by Crystal since 1984. Supported by his family, he gradually achieves fame until he hosts his own Saturday night show on a major network. However, his ego grows along with his fame, and he ends up losing the show after airing offensive material against the advice of his brother and manager, Stan. Subsequently ignored, he decides to leave the entertainment business.

'Mr. Saturday Night' also presents Buddy's future, estranged from his brother and even from his own daughter, until he manages to reflect and mend his relationships, both professional and familial.

In addition to Crystal, the cast includes David Paymer, Julie Warner, Helen Hunt, Jerry Orbach, Ron Silver, and Mary Mara. Thirty years after its release, in 2022, Crystal redeems himself by premiering a Broadway musical based on the film, which Crystal himself stars in alongside Paymer. This receives better reviews, although it does not last more than five months in theaters.