Mad About the Plaza

A fortune to chase, a desert highway and a spectacular shortage of good judgment: Hollywood gave the Coachella Valley quite a close-up in It’s a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World. Now the laughter is heading back to Palm Springs—with an invitation to dress for the madness.

Stanley Kramer’s sprawling 1963 comedy returns to the historic Plaza Theatre on Sunday, Nov. 1, at 1 p.m. The benefit screening pairs big-screen slapstick with a costume contest, trivia, a book signing and stories from the filmmaker’s family. Tickets start at $25, with a limited $75 VIP package including admission to the “Big W Afterparty.” Proceeds support the theatre’s operations and programming.

For desert audiences, there is an extra pleasure in watching the mayhem: familiar territory. The production filmed in Palm Springs and Palm Desert, including the opening car crash on Highway 74. Those mountain curves helped launch a cinematic treasure hunt in which the prospect of easy money sends practically everyone’s common sense over the guardrail.

The afternoon also brings a family connection. Hosting the event will be actress and producer Karen Sharpe-Kramer, Stanley Kramer’s widow, and his daughters, actress and producer Kat Kramer and actress and filmmaker Jennifer Kramer.

“We are so touched that although the film was produced more than six decades ago, it continues to resonate with today’s audiences,” Karen Sharpe-Kramer said.

She said the engagement would mark the film’s first screening at the Plaza since its original 1963 run—a particularly fitting return to the restored theatre.

The cast alone supplies a generous helping of Hollywood history: Spencer Tracy, Milton Berle, Sid Caesar, Jonathan Winters, Ethel Merman, Mickey Rooney and Buddy Hackett, with appearances by Buster Keaton, Jerry Lewis and the Three Stooges. Behind the apparent anarchy was an ambitious production that earned six Academy Award nominations and won for sound effects.

Audience members can contribute a little comedy of their own. Actor and director Terry Ray will lead the costume contest before the film, with registration upon arrival and winners announced at intermission. Prizes for the top three include dinner at Lulu California Bistro, tickets to upcoming Plaza events and books.

Think Merman’s formidable Mrs. Marcus, Winters’ Lennie Pike or Hackett’s Benjy Benjamin. Early-1960s clothing is encouraged even for guests who prefer to leave the competition to others.

“The more authentic the costumes are to the early 1960s and to the film itself, the better,” Kat Kramer said.

Actress and dancer Barrie Chase is also scheduled to attend, bringing another connection to the original production. Her dance sequence with Dick Shawn remains one of the film’s memorable diversions.

Author James Curtis will join the festivities for a signing and post-screening Q&A about *Comedy Is a Grim Business: The Making of It’s a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World*. Copies will be available for $37.50. The VIP afterparty in the theatre’s Green Room will offer refreshments and conversation with Curtis, Kat Kramer and Karen Sharpe-Kramer.

The Plaza Theatre is at 128 S. Palm Canyon Drive in Palm Springs. Tickets and details are available at palmspringsplazatheatre.com.

Bring your best vintage outfit. Leave the reckless driving to the professionals on the screen.