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Barbra Streisand was never more likable than in this energetic, often hilarious screwball farce from director Peter Bogdanovich. Read critic reviews

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What's Up, Doc? Photos

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Movie Info

Two researchers have come to San Francisco to compete for a research grant in music. The man seems a bit distracted, and that was before he met a strange woman who has devoted her life to confusing and embarrassing him. At the same time a woman has her jewels stolen and a government whistle blower arrives with his stolen top secret papers.

Cast & Crew

Barbra Streisand
Judy Maxwell
Ryan O'Neal
Howard Bannister
Madeline Kahn
Eunice Burns
Kenneth Mars
Hugh Simon
Austin Pendleton
Frederick Larrabee
Sorrell Booke
Harry
Stefan Gierasch
Fritz
Mabel Albertson
Mrs. Van Hoskins
Michael Murphy
Mr. Smith
Graham Jarvis
Bailiff
Liam Dunn
Judge Maxwell
Philip Roth
Mr. Jones
John Hillerman
Hotel Manager
George Morfogen
Headwaiter
Randy Quaid
Professor Hosquith
M. Emmet Walsh
Arresting Officer
Eleanor Zee
Banquet Receptionist
Kevin O'Neal
Delivery Boy
Paul B. Kipilman
Druggist
Christa Lang
Mrs. Hosquith
Peter Bogdanovich
Director
Peter Bogdanovich
Producer
Buck Henry
Screenwriter
David Newman
Screenwriter
Robert Benton
Screenwriter
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News & Interviews for What's Up, Doc?

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Critic Reviews for What's Up, Doc?

All Critics (44) | Top Critics (12) | Fresh (39) | Rotten (5)

View All Critic Reviews (44)

Audience Reviews for What's Up, Doc?

  • Aug 08, 2018
    Remember that kind of stuffy professor who was easily flustered that Cary Grant played in Bringing Up Baby? Well that's sort of the tip of this comic fare-thee-well, an homage to screwball comedies, with Ryan O'Neal doing the present honors, and Babs Streisand in her most accessible role as the loopy broad (the Katherine Hepburn part) who has set her sights on said professor. Set the antics in San Francisco and let her rip. Why this film isn't remembered beside the likes of Blazing Saddles I'll never know, a forgotten gem of the 1970's. Madelyn Kahn plays the cougar.
    Kevin M. W Super Reviewer
  • May 18, 2018
    It doesn't really matter that this amusing homage to the screwball comedies of the 1930s and 1940s has such a loony structure, since it is often hilarious and has a super charismatic Barbra Streisand embodying an irresistible combination of Carole Lombard and Bugs Bunny.
    Carlos M Super Reviewer
  • Aug 03, 2013
    well written madcap slapstick with a laugh a minute delivery. a successful reminder and revival of the mayhem that used to be staple classic material in the vane of George cuckor. will always remember the courtroom and chase scenes. not quite bullit
    Sanity Assassin ! Super Reviewer
  • Jul 25, 2013
    Four suitcases, one with jewels, one with secret documents, one with rocks, and one with clothes, cause goofy characters to scramble for possession. What's Up, Doc? is a fun light-hearted farce that succeeds because Barbara Streisand can be quite charming and Ryan O'Neal has a good, dry, stone-faced delivery. The final moment of the film -- "That's the stupidest thing I've ever heard" -- is hilarious only for those who know O'Neal's career. The film fails in other areas. Judy's motivations are mysterious; "You're cute" isn't enough justification for me. Likewise, all the other interesting parties flit and run around like idiots, but their motivations are never very clear. Overall, as farces go, this one isn't bad, but ultimately, What's Up, Doc? is easily dismissed.
    Jim H Super Reviewer
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