Comedy Movies/Cast of

Advertisement

Expert: - 9/20/2006


Question
Barbara, I have viewed a copy of the film "Car Wash", and could swear that the first time I saw this movie, Danny DeVito had a small role in it, playing the owner of a hamburger stand.  I don't see him anywhere in this copy.  Was he in the cast of the movie?  Thanks for your help.  

Answer
Patty, your memory is not playing tricks with you--there is more than one version of this film.  This is one of those cases where a TV version adds in scenes to fill up for scenes cut (as in the initial TV showings of "Blazing Saddles").  

According to the Internet Movie Data Base, the theatrical version released in 1976 did NOT include DeVito's character (or some others that were shot).  However, when it was shown on TV, many raunchy scenes had to be edited out, so several deleted scenes were added back in (not just those with DeVito).  DeVito played Joe, the owner of Big Joe's Dog House (also called "a hamburger stand") next to the car wash.  There apparently are several scenes of him arguing with his girlfriend, Terry (Brooke Adams), etc.

So, the version you recall is the TV version, not the "official" one.  BTW, there are those who prefer the TV version with the added scenes, although that is not always the case with such films.

Comedy Movies

All Answers

Answers by Expert:

Ask Experts

Volunteer

Barbara L. Baker

Expertise

I am a professor of communication at a midwest university, who has expertise on subjects related to film. I can answer general questions on U.S. film comedy (especially satires of the 1960s and 1970s) and comic theory. I also could answer questions related to specific comic genres, such as comedian comedies, screwball comedies, "stupid" comedies, and so forth. The more specific you can make your question, the better (e.g. main plot details, main characters, possible character names, possible actors, how you viewed the show, etc.). I also need to have a release date (or range of dates, or at least the year you viewed the film). Please do not just provide a set of links to someplace else (e.g. imdb discussion threads). I am less able to answer questions about comedies from other countries, made-for-TV movies, and recent comic films and actors (although I would do my best to find out). I cannot answer questions about specific TV shows or series, "Our Gang" episodes, anime/magna or about film collectables. I generally cannot provide movie recommendations, since what I find funny others may not. Nor will I answer obvious homework (although I will point you to resources to help answer the question, if asked). I also can't help you find movie stars, or where to buy movie memorabilia, or tell you how to break into the business.

Experience

Course work in comedy films along with teaching about comedy films for several years; I've also conducted research into comedy films.

Education/Credentials
Ph.D. in Communication, emphasis in film and rhetoric

Awards and Honors
A dissertation award from a national organization plus various paper awards

Past/Present Clients
My students

©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.