Filmed in 1971, but inexplicably shelved until 1974, Thursday's Game is a delightful comedy which features some moments of sheer comedic magic and a clutch of very strong performances. It's enormously surprising to find so few reviews here on the imdb, as this is a film that I would have expected to have a high number of fans. Perhaps the fact that it is a rarely-seen film - a "lost" movie, if truth be known - has something to do with it.
Gene Wilder is fabulous as Harry Evers, a TV producer who fears for his job after the rapid decline in viewing figures for a game-show that he is in charge of. On Thursday evenings, he gets his one and only chance to unwind when he meets up with a gang of guys for casual poker games. One week, the game goes sour and the guys have a bust-up, resulting in the cancellation of any future Thursday night games. However, Harry can't bear the thought of Thursday nights at home, so he fixes up a clever ruse with another poker-playing friend Marvin (Bob Newhart). Instead of calling it quits, the devious twosome tell their wives that the game is still going on and meet up for nights on the town. This weekly taste of freedom has an inevitable influence on both men, and soon they find themselves questioning whether they are truly happy in their respective marriages.
The film is sure to strike a chord with men who have ever found themselves questioning their commitment to their partners. Is it better to be in a sharing relationship where certain sacrifices may have to be made, or is it better to have total freedom even if it means accepting a degree of loneliness? Within this serious storyline, though, Thursday's Game manages to be side-splittingly funny. The scene where Wilder visits his agent (Rob Reiner, in a terrific cameo appearance), only to find out that his agent has never even heard of him, is simply priceless. And the poker bust-up sequence is wickedly funny too. Ellen Burstyn, as Wilder's gullible wife, gives a performance that it as heartfelt as it is touching. Similarly, Nancy Walker as Wilder's employment advisor has some wonderful moments. Thursday's Game is definitely worth seeking out - an absolute gem that everyone should see.
