The Search for Signs of Intelligent Life in the Universe (1991)

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This filmed version of Lily Tomlin's successful one-woman performance piece is sometimes classified as a "documentary." However, it is one hundred percent from the show and contains nothing but that show, so it could also be classified simply as a comedy/satire. In any case, it features classic characters limned by this versatile performer, whose uncanny sketches predated those by Whoopi Goldberg, Tracy Ullman or Sandra Bernhard -- all of whom walk in her footsteps. One of the repeating themes of the show is the avuncular advice of a delightfully addled bag lady who offers her services to help non-Earth aliens understand what they are seeing on this planet. All the skits tie together under the general theme of making fun of high-toned New Age rhetoric, which is a system of beliefs that proves inadequate to address the fundamental woes of everyday life. ~ Clarke Fountain, All Movie Guide

Theatrical Feature Running Time:

120 mins

Complete Cast:

Director(s):

John Bailey

Writer(s):

Jane Wagner

Producer(s):

Lily Tomlin, Jane Wagner, Paula Mazur

Theatrical MPAA Rating:

PG13(Adult Situations, Questionable for Children)

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