The Life of Reilly

"Charles Nelson Reilly's biographical one-man play."

Mar 12 2006 Unrated 1h 24m
Biography, Comedy, Documentary

The Life of Reilly is a 2006 American film adaptation of actor Charles Nelson Reilly's one-man play Save It For the Stage: The Life of Reilly. Written by Reilly and Paul Linke, and directed by Frank L. Anderson and Barry Poltermann, the film is an edited version of Reilly's much longer stage show, filmed live before audiences at the El Portal Theater in North Hollywood, California in October 2004. The final film is compiled from Reilly's final two performances, interspersed with clips, images and music.

Plot

If, in 1940, you had a lobotomized aunt, an institutionalized father, a racist mother, and were the only gay kid on the block, what do you think the odds would be that you'd end up a Tony winner, a staple of television, and a generational icon? Enter "The Life Of Reilly". The cliché goes that truth is stranger than fiction. In this case, it is also funnier and more heartbreaking. Charles Nelson Reilly, famous for his game show innuendos and "X Files" guest appearances, takes us through his bizarre, star-studded, tragic, hilarious, and ultimately amazing life with a potent blend of tenderness and quick one-liners. "The Life Of Reilly" is an adaptation of Mr. Reilly's acclaimed one-man show and was photographed for the screen during Mr. Reilly's final two performances of his play in North Hollywood, California.

Written by

Paul Linke, Charles Nelson Reilly

Directed by

Frank L. Anderson, Barry Poltermann

Production Countries

United States of America

Production Companies

Civilian Pictures

Languages

English

Awards

1 win

Scores
# of Votes
363
Average Rating
8.1 out of 10
Metascore
72
Popularity
NA