The Last Polka

I was a huge fan of SCTV for many years--starting with their super- low budgeted half hour show. Throughout their run in syndication, network and cable TV, I watched the show.

"Mockumentary" film about the Shmenge Brothers, Leutonian American Polks musicians who deciede to call it quits after a long career. Beginning in 1944 in Leutonia, a fictional Eastern European country, the film chronicles their rise to the top of the Polka music scene .

I like to look at the "time capsule" idea to illustrate certain words from our era, as we might put into, say, a cornerstone to be viewed by those a century later. Some pictures, descriptive materials, films or tapes, of JFK or Dwight Eisenhower, could illustrate the essence of "charisma" (for "anti-charisma," try Newt Gingrich).

The king of the mockumentaries, The Last Polka is sixty minutes of Eastern European fun that you wish would never end. I consider this both Candy and Levy's best work.

Spinal Tap was released in 1984, a year before The Last Polka. Nevertheless, it's mandatory in our family to watch and know this flick.

If you like John Candy and Eugene Levy, and you think polka music ain't too bad, you'll enjoy "The Last Polka." The film is well written and Candy and Levy turn in great performances.

This was a made-for-cable (Showtime) comedy special starring John Candy and Eugene Levy's "SCTV Network" characters, polka stars Yosh and Stan Shmenge.The film traces their rise to prominence from their childhood in native Leutonia to their final comeback concert.

Simply the best of all of the mockumentaries. Candy and Levy at their best.

I have not seen this movie since its debut on HBO TV and it is not available to order to add to one's collection of VHS movies. Definitely without doubt one of the funniest comedies you will ever see in your lifetime.