The Front (1976)

What starts out as a shticky, intermittently successful comedy set in the blacklist era broadens and deepens into something much more affecting. Woody Allen, who at first appears to be coasting on his mannerisms, turns in a solid performance with a great exit line (interesting to note that this, coming a year before Annie Hall, marks his first dramatic role) and the rest of the cast performs admirably as well; however, it's Zero Mostel in his last live-action performance that makes this film sing. He's absolutely unforgettable as Hecky Brown, a popular comedian who finds himself unable to work and unable to accept it. His final scene is heartbreaking.

Grade: A-