My Favorite Year

As the curtain rises on his most cherished year - 1954 - film aficionado Benjy Stone takes us on a journey through the week that would change everything. It was during this pivotal period that he crossed paths with none other than his childhood idol, the legendary Alan Swann (played by Errol Flynn-esque stars of the 1930s and '40s). The charismatic actor, known for his daring exploits on the big screen, had fallen from grace, struggling to recapture his former glory.

Meanwhile, Benjy was hard at work as a junior comedy writer for Comedy Cavalcade, a popular variety show broadcast live from the NBC studios at 30 Rockefeller Plaza. The program, hosted by the larger-than-life Stan "King" Kaiser, featured a mix of music, dance, and humor. Swann, now well past his prime, was booked as a guest star and arrived at the studio in a state of intoxication. Kaiser was on the verge of removing him from the show until Benjy intervened, pledging to keep the troubled actor sober for the week leading up to his scheduled appearance.

As Benjy worked tirelessly to ensure Swann's sobriety, the two men formed an unlikely bond. With the help of Swann's chauffeur, Alfie, they learned more about each other, discovering that they shared a common desire to keep their families out of the spotlight. Benjy's mother was married to Rookie Carroca, a former Filipino bantamweight boxer, and he had a plethora of relatives who embarrassed him. Swann, on the other hand, had a young daughter named Tess, whom he rarely visited but secretly kept tabs on, unable to muster the courage to reconnect with her.

As rehearsals continued, tensions mounted when Stan "King" Kaiser found himself threatened by Karl Rojeck, a corrupt union boss who objected to being parodied on the show. A series of bizarre incidents - some real, others seemingly random accidents - unfolded, leaving the team to wonder if they were the result of deliberate sabotage or mere coincidence.

Amidst the chaos, Benjy found himself smitten with K.C. Downing, a charming assistant to producer Leo Silver. Swann, in turn, mentored Benjy, imparting valuable lessons about perseverance and courage. However, his own struggles continued as he wrestled with his demons, including a crippling fear of being exposed on live television.

The night of the show arrived, and Swann's anxiety reached a boiling point when Benjy broke the news that the program was broadcast live, not filmed as he had expected. Panicked, Swann fled the studio, leaving Benjy to confront him about his behavior. In a heartfelt moment, Benjy revealed to Swann that he had always seen him as the swashbuckling hero of the silver screen, and that deep down, he possessed those qualities.

As the "Boss Hijack" sketch suddenly takes an unexpected turn, Rojeck's cohorts burst onto the backstage arena, assaulting Kaiser with reckless abandon. The chaos erupts, spilling unchecked into the live broadcast, leaving the mesmerized audience oblivious to the fact that their carefully crafted comedy routine has devolved into a very real fight for survival. Meanwhile, Swann and Benjy watch with rapt attention from their perch in the balcony, their vantage point offering a unique perspective on the unfolding mayhem.

As the dust settles, Swann, resplendent in his Musketeer finery, seizes the moment, swinging down onto the stage like a dashing hero. With Kaiser by his side, they join forces to vanquish the marauding thugs, their heroic exploits playing out before the unwitting eyes of the audience.

In the aftermath of this impromptu battle, Benjy takes center stage once more, serving as the masterful narrator of the epilogue that unfolds like a tender tapestry. With his confidence soaring, Swann pays a heartfelt visit to his daughter the very next day, savoring the warmth and affection of their long-awaited reunion.