The Comic

The Comic

Year: 1969

Runtime: 95 mins

Language: English

ComedyDramaMoving relationship storiesAmusing jokes and witty satireEnduring stories of family and marital drama

A comedic look at Hollywood’s golden age, chronicling the rise and fall of silent‑film star Billy Bright. The film opens at Bright’s funeral, where his spectral voice recounts early fame, self‑destructive womanizing and drinking, and his eventual loneliness as a bitter old man. It is loosely inspired by the life of Buster Keaton.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen The Comic yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!

Timeline & Setting – The Comic (1969)

Explore the full timeline and setting of The Comic (1969). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

1969 with flashbacks to the 1910s–1920s silent era

The present frame centers on Bright's funeral in 1969, while the narrative travels back to the silent era of the 1910s and 1920s. It tracks the rise to fame and the subsequent transition as talkies begin to dominate. The time shifts highlight aging, memory, and the changing landscape of the film industry over decades.

Location

California, Hollywood, Europe

California is the cradle of the early film industry and Hollywood serves as the studio hub where Bright rises to fame during the 1910s and 1920s. The story travels through studio lots and silent-film backlots, depicting the glamour and grit of early cinema. Europe later appears as Bright's expatriate chapter, reflecting the global reach of silent-era stars.

🎬 Film industry hotspot 🗺️ Historic cinema locations

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 15:21

Main Characters – The Comic (1969)

Meet the key characters of The Comic (1969), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Billy Bright (Dick Van Dyke)

A talented, headstrong vaudeville clown who becomes a major silent-film star. He is relentlessly ambitious but stubborn, often misreading consequences and clinging to the past. His struggle with fame, personal relationships, and later alcoholism drives the dramatic arc of the story.

🎭 Star 🥃 Alcoholic 🌀 Self-delusion

Mary Gibson (Michele Lee)

Bright's leading lady and later wife who partners with him to form a production company. She grows wary of his infidelity and ultimately leaves him, taking their son and estate. She embodies strength and independence amid the collapse of their marriage.

🎬 Actress 💔 Betrayed 👩‍👧 Mother

Al Schilling (Cornel Wilde)

The director who clashes with Bright, demanding control and attempting to shape his performance. His confrontations with Bright reflect the power dynamics on early film sets and the tensions between artistry and commercial demands.

🎬 Director 🧭 Demanding

Cockeye (Mickey Rooney)

Bright's old screen sidekick and loyal friend who anchors him to the earlier, simpler days of fame. He serves as a foil to Bright's arrogance while providing warmth and comic relief amid the rising chaos of Bright's career.

👥 Friend 🎭 Foil

Steve Allen (Steve Allen)

The late-1960s talk show host who attempts to revive Bright's career by giving him a platform on television. His appearance embodies the era's shift toward TV-driven publicity and modern celebrity culture.

🎤 TV Host 🌟 Comeback Catalyst

Billy Jr. (Scott James)

Bright and Mary's now-grown son, who represents the legacy of Bright's life. He appears as part of the later stages of Bright's story, illustrating the consequences of the star's past on his family.

👦 Son 🧭 Strained Relationship

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 15:21

Major Themes – The Comic (1969)

Explore the central themes of The Comic (1969), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🎭 Fame

The film examines how early stardom reshapes identity, rewarding talent while feeding vanity. Bright's ascent from stage performance to screen icon reveals both charm and self-delusion. The narrative questions what a lasting legacy means when the industry continually moves forward.

🕰️ Memory

Bright's life unfolds as a montage of past glories, anchored by a funeral that brackets the story. Flashbacks reveal how nostalgia can both sustain and torment a performer who clings to old routines. The film uses memory to comment on aging within a fast-changing industry.

🎬 Rise and Fall

The arc follows a career from silent comedy to resistance against talkies, illustrating industry shifts and personal costs. Pride, rivalry, and luck shape Bright's trajectory, while his insistence on the past accelerates his decline. The story culminates in a fall that makes earlier triumphs seem fragile.

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 15:21

Mobile App Preview

Coming soon on iOS and Android

The Plot Explained Mobile App

From blockbusters to hidden gems — dive into movie stories anytime, anywhere. Save your favorites, discover plots faster, and never miss a twist again.

Sign up to be the first to know when we launch. Your email stays private — always.

Unlock the Full Story of The Comic

Don't stop at just watching — explore The Comic in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what The Comic is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

The Comic Summary

Read a complete plot summary of The Comic, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

The Comic Summary

The Comic Timeline

Track the full timeline of The Comic with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

The Comic Timeline

More About The Comic

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about The Comic: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About The Comic

Explore More About Movie The Comic

The Comic (1969) Plot Summary & Movie Recap

The Comic (1969) Scene-by-Scene Movie Timeline

The Comic (1969) Spoiler-Free Summary & Key Flow