- Directed by
- Josh Forbes
- Produced by
- Jeremy Coon; Barry Poltermann; Daniel Kellison
- Edited by
- Barry Poltermann
- Executive Production
- John M. Viola
With his witty wordplay and wacky props, Leo Gallagher became one of the biggest comedy acts of the 1980s. The comedian’s most famous bit: smashing a watermelon with a giant mallet to the messy delight of audiences. His signature act was a gift and a curse, shooting him to superstardom while breeding both dismissive detractors and imitators, including his own brother. As tastes change, the aging Gallagher seeks the respect he deserves as an innovator in the art of stand-up comedy.
The infamous watermelon-smashing comic is shown to be more than a punchline in this absorbing warts and all biography. When the hammer comes down in GALLAGHER, you can really feel it.
GALLAGHER is a staggering achievement. I was moved to the point of tears — one of the great cinematic surprises of 2024.
A story of intrigue, controversy, humor, and tragedy.
It’s not hard to see the sad man underneath it all, confused by a world that turns its back on entertainers they once loved. GALLAGHER makes a compelling case for reexamination.
An insightful lesson on the fickleness of showbiz fame.
Undeniably moving… a fitting swan song for comedy’s ultimate ugly duckling.