My Favorite Year (1982)

In "My Favorite Year" (1982), we follow Benjy Stone, a wide-eyed junior writer on a popular 1950s variety show, who's tasked with babysitting the notoriously boisterous and alcoholic Alan Swann. Swann is a swashbuckling, Errol Flynn-esque movie star, fresh off the wagon and determined to make a comeback, and the show's guest star. Benjy's life is turned upside down as he navigates Swann's erratic behavior, attempts to keep him sober long enough to perform, and witnesses the genuine vulnerability hidden beneath the actor's flamboyant persona. The film is a delightful mix of comedy and heart, set against the backdrop of the Golden Age of television. Richard Benjamin's role as the young, impressionable Benjy is perfectly suited to his strengths. He embodies the earnestness and comedic timing required to play the straight man amidst the chaos, offering a grounding perspective to the audience as he is swept up in Swann's whirlwind presence. Benjamin's natural charm and ability to convey a sense of wonder make him the ideal protagonist. His performance, along with the film's nostalgic charm, heartwarming story, and memorable characters, secures "My Favorite Year" a well-deserved place on the list of Best Richard Benjamin Movies.