Punchline 1988
“Dying is easy. Comedy is hard.”
- Status
- Released
- Runtime
- 123 minutes
- Director
- David Seltzer
- Network
- Columbia Pictures
- Where to Stream
- Sony Pictures Core Amazon Channel
What is Punchline?
Topic: Film "Punchline" (1988). Goal: Factual, original 150-190 word overview.
- Type
- Film
- Year
- 1988
- Status
- Released
- Runtime
- 123 minutes
- Release date
- Oct 7, 1988
- Original language
- EN
- Origin
- United States of America
- Studios
- Columbia Pictures
- Budget
- $15,000,000
- Revenue
- $21,032,267
- Genres
- Comedy, Drama
- Updated
At a glance
- Rating
- ★ TMDB users: 5.5/10 from 161 votes
- Episode runtime
- ~123 minutes
- Status
- Released
- Network
- Columbia Pictures
Where to watch in United States
Rent
Apple TV Store
Amazon Video
YouTubeBuy
Apple TV StoreAmazon VideoYouTubeStream
Sony Pictures Core Amazon ChannelRent
Apple TV StoreYouTubeAmazon VideoBuy
Apple TV StoreYouTubeAmazon VideoStream
Joyn Plus
Kabel Eins Classics Amazon Channel
Seven Entertainment Amazon Channel
Magenta TV+Rent
Apple TV StoreAmazon VideoBuy
Apple TV StoreAmazon VideoStream
Sony Pictures Core Amazon ChannelRent
Apple TV StoreYouTubeAmazon VideoBuy
Apple TV StoreYouTubeAmazon VideoRent
Apple TV Store
Rakuten TVAmazon Video
Sky StoreYouTubeBuy
Apple TV StoreRakuten TVAmazon VideoSky StoreYouTubeRent
Apple TV StoreSky StoreRakuten TVAmazon VideoBuy
Apple TV StoreSky StoreRakuten TVAmazon VideoRent
Apple TV StoreRakuten TVAmazon VideoBuy
Apple TV StoreRakuten TVAmazon VideoRent
Amazon VideoApple TV Store
FODBuy
Amazon VideoApple TV StoreStream
Sony Pictures Core Amazon ChannelRent
Amazon VideoApple TV Store
Google Play MoviesYouTube
Fandango At HomeBuy
Amazon VideoApple TV StoreGoogle Play MoviesYouTubeFandango At HomeStreaming availability data provided by JustWatch via TMDB. Availability changes by country and date; verify on the provider before subscribing or purchasing.
Trailer
Overview
Topic: Film "Punchline" (1988).
Goal: Factual, original 150-190 word overview.
Constraints:
Use only verifiable facts from provided SYNOPSIS and SOURCES.
No invented titles, names, dates, counts, awards, ratings, etc.
No markdown (no asterisks, no headings, no bullet points).
Plain text only.
Neutral, encyclopedic prose.
First sentence must not contain spoilers.
Word count: 150-190 words.
Title: Punchline.
Year: 1988.
Genre: Comedy and Drama (American comedy-drama).
Director/Writer: David Seltzer.
Distributor: Columbia Pictures.
Runtime: 2h 3m.
Rating: R.
Release Date (US): 10/07/1988.
Characters/Plot:
Lilah Krytsick: Mother, housewife, homemaker, wants to be a stand-up comedian.
Steven Gold: Experienced stand-up, talented young comic, seemingly on the cusp of success, medical-school dropout.
Relationship: They meet and form an unlikely friendship.
Action: Steven helps Lilah develop her stage act. They help each other out at a New York City comedy club.
Conflict/Progression: Lilah faces objections from her family and wobbly beginnings. She improves and competes with Steven for
Should you watch it?
“An experienced comic helps a housewife pursue her dream of stand-up comedy.”
- Witness the unlikely friendship between an experienced comic and a determined housewife.
- Explore the gritty world of stand-up comedy at a New York City comedy club.
- Watch two characters navigate wobbly beginnings and family objections to chase television success.
- The story features competitive tension where the main characters eventually find themselves competing for the same coveted television spot.
Watch it if you enjoy dramatic stories about aspiring performers navigating the challenges of the stand-up comedy world.
This 1988 American comedy-drama film runs for 2 hours and 3 minutes, blending comedic aspirations with dramatic personal hurdles.
Ask the Vault
Ask anything about Punchline — answers are spoiler-safe.
Your verdict
Is Punchline worth watching?
Cast
Frequently asked questions
Where to stream Punchline (1988)?
Streaming availability can be checked via platforms like Plex or The Movie Database.
Is Punchline worth watching?
It offers a dramatic look at the 1988 stand-up comedy scene and an unlikely mentorship between a housewife and an experienced comic.
What is the runtime of Punchline?
The film has a runtime of 2 hours and 3 minutes.
Who wrote and directed Punchline?
The film was written and directed by David Seltzer and distributed by Columbia Pictures.
Explore Punchline
Where to watch Similar movies More from Columbia Pictures
What viewers say
No comments yet. Be the first to share your take on Punchline.