Product Details

• Actors: Dudley Moore, Laraine Newman, James Coco, Paul Sand, Jack Gilford
• Directors: Gary Weis
• Writers: Guy Thomas
• Producers: David Begelman, Freddie Fields
• Format: NTSC
• Rated: PG (Parental Guidance Suggested)
• Number of tapes: 1
• Studio: Sony Pictures Home E
• VHS Release Date: June 30, 1993
• Run Time: 103 minutes
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (19 customer reviews)
• ASIN: 6300136515
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #346,283 in Movies & TV (See Top 100 in Movies & TV)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

Wholly Moses! is a clever, 1980 Biblical farce that has much in common with Monty Python's Life of Brian. Dudley Moore, between star-making performances in 10 and Arthur, plays Old Testament-era idol maker Herschel, whose life parallels that of the more famous Moses in many ways. Forced into the role of seer for Egypt's pharaoh, Herschel becomes convinced he has divine powers, until destiny proves otherwise and his subsequent misadventures as a slave, fake eunuch, and betrayed husband (Laraine Newman plays Herschel's unfaithful spouse) lead him to question the necessity of believing in any god at all. Wholly Moses! is directed by Gary Weis, perhaps still best known for his short works on the early Saturday Night Live, and the film plays like a succession of sketchy ideas. It does have powerful and inspired moments, however, including Herschel's dialogue with the devil (John Ritter) and the sight of James Coco sweeping small frogs. --Tom Keogh

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Great with one reservation, November 10, 2004

By 

Richard J. Frank (San Antonio, Texas United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Wholly Moses (DVD)

This is a great movie. I enjoyed it as much now as when I saw it at the theaters. Highly recommended. John Ritter, Richard Prior and James Coco shine. The only reason I didn't give it 5 stars is that the DVD is standard. The film (as shown by the credits) is VERY wide screen and you lose so much of the picture that it hurts some of the scenes. Please release it in widescreen!!!!!!!!!!!

2.0 out of 5 stars technically well-written but seem to lack soul, January 2, 2012

By 

icprofit6000 - See all my reviews

This review is from: Wholly Moses (Amazon Instant Video)

Although I personally did not like the movie, it is difficult for me point out why. There are few funny scenes, and most acting is very good, At first, I thought the movies seem fragmented but the movie's segues between scene seem well written and the scenes all seemed necessary to setup other scenes in the movie. Still, it lacks something as a whole. Key parts of the movies seem predictable and it lack something that would make it worth watching.

3.0 out of 5 stars Congenial Performers in Mildly Amusing Comedy, December 13, 2011

By 

drkhimxz (Freehold, NJ, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Wholly Moses (DVD)

Dudley Moore and James Coco are pleasant, often quite gifted, performers. So, too, are the assorted cameo players. The movie was pleasant, rarely funny, rarely boring. If you really do not want to cope, if you are a little down and want only a little relief without the strain of concentration, this might be for you. The gag situation are mostly predictable but have none of the reach into tasteless laughs or successful hilarity of Mel Brooks similar effort. Its a safe sort of vehicle made for actors who have all done a lot better.