FRANKIE AND JOHNNY ARE MARRIED American Directions

“Never spend your own money,” and never work with your wife. Director Michael Pressman (SOME KIND OF HERO, CHICAGO HOPE) illustrates the folly of ignoring the two cardinal rules of show business in a film that is by turns hilarious, touching and romantic.

Pressman is a successful director and producer. His actress wife Lisa (Lisa Chess) is frustrated by the limited roles available to her. So they decide to stage a (supposedly) low-budget production of a Terrence McNally play, recruiting old friend Alan Rosenberg to play opposite Lisa. Alan proves to be far more mercurial (and forgetful) than anticipated. As the budget spirals out of control and tempers flare on the rehearsal Michael and Lisa wonder why they ever decided to work together.

As a Hollywood insider, Pressman’s script is filled with sly observations on the eccentricities of creative artists. But he also understands what drives talented people. Ultimately, this is an ode to marital romance, with Michael and Lisa proving they are much more than “Woody and Mia of the Venice canals.”