Punchline (1988)

In the bustling heart of New York City, amidst the smoke-filled air of a gritty comedy club, the lives of two aspiring stand-up comics intersect. Lilah Krytsick, a New Jersey housewife and mother, quietly rebels against her mundane life and her husband's expectations, savoring the rush of making people laugh. However, her comedic talent struggles under the weight of her dual life. On the other hand, we have Steven Gold, a drop-out medical student concealing his failure from his doctor father. Charismatic and ambitious, Steven's talent shines bright on stage, but his hunger for success casts long shadows that unsettle his fellow comics. Their shared passion for comedy, a secret life only known to each other, draws them together. They frequent the New York comedy club, The Gas Station, where they perform for a meager $15 a set. Steven, the club's star performer, takes Lilah under his wing, guiding her through the delicate dance of humor and timing. Lilah, in turn, offers Steven a glimpse of authenticity that adds a new dimension to his act. However, the precarious balance of their friendship is tested when network executives organize a contest at the club, with the winner earning a coveted spot on The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson. As the stakes rise, Steven's thirst for fame and Lilah's quest for self-fulfillment threaten to eclipse their bond. Will their shared love for comedy be enough to keep their friendship intact, or will they succumb to the intense competition, each vying for their own piece of spotlight? In this world where laughter is the currency, the question arises: what price are they willing to pay to make their dreams come true? Punchline is a riveting portrayal of the ups and downs of the comedy business, where the line between friends and rivals blurs, and personal aspirations clash with emotional connections.

Punchline is a comedy movie featuring Sally Field and directed by David Seltzer.

Punchline is currently streaming for free (ad-supported) on Tubi TV.

It is also possible to buy Punchline on AMC on Demand, Amazon Video, Apple TV, DIRECTV, Google Play Movies, Vudu and YouTube.