Revised Abstract

A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum is one of the most outstanding movies of its kind because of its ironic scenes, comical songs along with its ability to still maintain numerous aspects expected to be in a movie about ancient Rome.  The ironic scenes give the movie a comical appeal that draws the audience in.  At the same time, this is accomplished without having to sacrifice any details of the plot.  All the aspects one would expect to be present in an Ancient Roman film are still present.  For example, the typical forbidden love story is still present between Hero and Philia.  As well as a chariot race at the end that seems to be present in just about every Ancient Roman movie.  Some of the ironic scenes include when Marcus Gloriosus first enters the town with his army and the scene in which Domina and Senex are both expecting to cheat but end up with each other anyway.  One would expect that such an accomplished army would be welcomed with cheers and praise, not rotten cabbage being thrown at them accompanied with boos.  In ancient Rome, we have observed how easy it is to be unfaithful as well as how acceptable it is.  A Funny Thing breaks this tradition by having both Domina’s and Senex’s plans to cheat fall through and they end up with each other anyway.  Finally, the movie is a musical and the songs that the cast performs are quite comical.  Among these songs are “Comedy Tonight” in the opening scene, “Im lovely” and “You’re lovely” by Hero.  These songs serve to reveal certain aspects of characters that would not have been apparent otherwise while also providing comic relief.  In conclusion, there are many traits presented in A Funny Thing that make it stand apart from the other movies we have observed so far.