What's Up, Doc?

press release: USA | 1972 | 35mm | 94 min.

Director: Peter Bogdanovich; Cast: Barbra Streisand, Ryan O’Neal, Madeline Kahn

Fresh off the triumphant The Last Picture Show, Bogdanovich set himself up with a daunting, nigh-impossible challenge: recreate/update the screwball brilliance, non-stop hilarity of Howard Hawks’ Bringing Up Baby. That he succeeded beyond any reasonable expectation is due in no small part to the spectacular chemistry of leads O’Neal and Streisand, as well as scene-stealing turns from Kenneth Mars, Austin Pendleton, and, Madeline Kahn in an astonishing screen debut. Filled to the brim with supremely witty dialogue and featuring a climactic chase through the streets of San Francisco that out-Bullitts Bullitt, What’s Up, Doc? is a must-see on the big screen.

Screenings mostly take place at 4070 Vilas Hall, 821 University Avenue. Once-a-month Sunday afternoon screenings take place at the Chazen Museum of Art, 750 University Avenue. In accord with current UW Madison policies, masks are required for entry to our venues. All Cinematheque screenings are free and open to the public. Please visit our website for a complete listing of programs and descriptions.