Punchline
“Dying is easy. Comedy is hard.”
Synopsis
Lilah Krytsick is a mother and housewife who's always believed she could be a stand-up comedian. Steven Gold is an experienced stand-up seemingly on the cusp of success. When the two meet, they form an unlikely friendship, and Steven tries to help the untried Lilah develop her stage act. Despite the objections of her family and some very wobbly beginnings, Lilah improves, and soon she finds herself competing with Steven for a coveted television spot.
Trailers, Teasers & Extra Featurettes
Official promotional previews, behind-the-scenes footage, and exclusive clips.
Punchline Trailer
Type: Trailer • Published 2007-08-19
Top Cast
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Sally Field
Lilah Krytsick
Tom Hanks
Steven Gold
John Goodman
John Krytsick
Mark Rydell
Romeo
Kim Greist
Madeline Urie
Paul Mazursky
Arnold
Damon Wayans
Percy
Taylor Negron
Albert Emperato
Pam Matteson
Utica Blake
George McGrath
Brian, the Singing Nun
Barry Neikrug
Krug
Ángel Salazar
Rico
Joycee Katz
Joycee
Mac Robbins
Billy Lane
Max Alexander
Mister Ball
Paul Kozlowski
Jerry Petroviak
Barry Sobel
Robyn Green
Marty Pollio
Juggling Comic
Release History & Theatrical Window
October 7, 1988
Wide Cinema Exhibition
October 1, 1995
Physical Home Media
Financials & Box Office Performance
Production Budget
$15M
Filming & production cost
Worldwide Gross
$21M
Total global ticket sales
Box Office Return
1.4x
+$6M net gain
Theatrical Status
Budget Return
Box office tier
Key Information & Fast Facts
- Director
- David Seltzer
- Screenplay & Story
- David Seltzer
- Original Score
- Charles Gross
- Original Title
- Punchline
- Country of Origin
- United States of America
- Spoken Languages
- English
- Runtime
- 2h 3m
- Production Budget
- $15M
- Worldwide Gross
- $21M
- Production Studios
- Columbia Pictures
Creative Leadership & Key Crew
David Seltzer
David Seltzer
Charles Gross
Reynaldo Villalobos
Bruce Green
Daniel Melnick, Michael I. Rachmil
Department Leadership Roster
David Seltzer
Writer
David Seltzer
Director
Daniel Melnick
Producer
Michael I. Rachmil
Producer
Reynaldo Villalobos
Director of Photography
Bruce Green
Editor
Jackson De Govia
Production Design
Charles Gross
Original Music Composer
Age Classification & Content Advisories
Official viewer rating standards and content warnings across international classification boards.
R: Restricted — Under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian.
International Certification Matrix
FSK 12 — Restricted to viewers aged 12 and older.
Suitable only for 15 years and over.
Restricted — Under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian.
Production Stills & Gallery
Official cinematic photography and background stills for Punchline.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Punchline
Quick factual answers about cast, synopsis, director, box office, and release information.
What is Punchline about?
Lilah Krytsick is a mother and housewife who's always believed she could be a stand-up comedian. Steven Gold is an experienced stand-up seemingly on the cusp of success. When the two meet, they form an unlikely friendship, and Steven tries to help the untried Lilah develop her stage act. Despite the objections of her family and some very wobbly beginnings, Lilah improves, and soon she finds herself competing with Steven for a coveted television spot.
Who directed Punchline?
Punchline was directed by David Seltzer.
Who stars in Punchline?
The principal cast of Punchline includes Sally Field, Tom Hanks, John Goodman, Mark Rydell, Kim Greist.
When was Punchline released and how long is it?
Punchline was released in 1988 with a total runtime of 2h 3m.
What was the box office and production budget of Punchline?
Punchline had a reported production budget of $15M and grossed $21M at the worldwide box office (1.4 return on budget, classified as a budget recovered).
Who composed the musical score for Punchline?
The original motion picture soundtrack for Punchline was composed by Charles Gross.
What is the age rating and content advisory for Punchline?
Punchline holds official age classifications: DE: 12 (FSK 12 — Restricted to viewers aged 12 and older.); GB: 15 (Suitable only for 15 years and over.); US: R (Restricted — Under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian.).