Phyllis Diller: Not Just Another Pretty Face

Phyllis Diller: Not Just Another Pretty Face is a captivating 2007 documentary that offers a candid, humorous, and touching look at the life and career of one of America's most beloved comedians, Phyllis Diller. This almost 90-minute feature documents her rise to stardom as she smashed barriers for other female comedians by making a mark in the male-dominated field of comedy. The movie offers an engaging depiction of the woman behind the laughs, replete with her distinct cackling laughter and outrageously eccentric style that firmly etched Diller in the minds and hearts of her audience and fellow comedians alike.

Created as a tribute to Phyllis Diller's outstanding career, this film excellently blends archival footage and interviews to give audiences an insightful and intimate look into the legendary comedian's life. Through these interviews and footage, we get to witness the obstacles she faced, the lessons she learned, and the influence she wielded, not only in the comedy world but in society as a whole.

One of the film's distinct features is the inclusion of Phyllis Diller's contemporaries who lavish praises on her. The film features luminaries such as Dean Martin and Don Rickles. These fellow comedic legends offer firsthand accounts of Diller's impact on them both professionally and personally. Martin, famously known for his dry wit and Deadpan humor, perfectly complements the outlandish style of Diller. At the same time, Don Rickles, another comedy legend known for his distinct bare-it-all, insult comedy style, provides depth into the barriers Diller broke in comedy by being a woman.

The addition of Terry-Thomas, an English comedian and character actor, known for his unique stage persona and gap-toothed smile, further helps to highlight Diller's unique charm and talent. Their shared experiences of navigating stage and film provides an additional layer of depth in this portrayal of Diller's professional journey.

What makes 'Phyllis Diller: Not Just Another Pretty Face' truly engaging isn't just the succinct narrative of Phyllis Diller's comedic career, but the exploration of the woman behind the stage. Without a doubt, Diller was known for her razor-sharp wit and caustic one-liners. Yet, this documentary delves into her personal journey, from being a homemaker to one of the most celebrated female comedians of her generation. The portrayal includes her struggles, victories and spans her experiences from early days in radio and TV to reinventing herself as a successful painter and author.

While Diller might be known for self-deprecating humor and lampooning her domestic life, this documentary is far from a soul-barren snide mockery. It paints Phyllis Diller in a relatable and humanising light and celebrates her strengths, vulnerabilities and indomitable spirit. The film skillfully balances her distinctive laughter-inducing stage persona with the powerful woman backstage fighting social norms and personal crises whilst still creating waves of laughter.

The sound design of the documentary deserves special mention as it carefully incorporates Diller's performances' audio clips throughout. Her distinctive laughter echoes throughout the film, marking a unique audio signature of Phyllis Diller that evokes a nostalgic trip down memory lane for those familiar with her work. Simultaneously, viewers new to Diller's comedic genius are treated to some of her best work encapsulated in this film.

Phyllis Diller: Not Just Another Pretty Face is unequivocally a remarkable tribute to the extraordinary woman and her illustrious career. It's a must-watch for comedy lovers, especially those fond of the comics of the golden era of television and film. With heartfelt interviews, intimate insights, and an abundance of humor, this film offers an excellent mosaic of one of comedy's pioneering female voices. If you're looking to explore the world of comedy beyond the stage lights, this documentary gives you a compelling glimpse into the life and legacy of Phyllis Diller.