The American Film Theatre Collection is an exceptional series of feature films based on some of the most celebrated plays of the 20th Century. Brainchild of Hollywood producer Ely Landau, the aim was to combine the excitement of live theatre with the accessibility and visual possibilities of film.

Featuring towering performances, outstanding direction and exceptional writing, this collection is a superb archive of contemporary drama masterfully transferred to the silver screen and largely unseen for 30 years.

Reunited for the first (and only) time since their brilliant performances in Mel Brooks' The Producers, Zero Mostel and Gene Wilder excel in Rhinoceros, a hilarious satire which raises serious questions about individuality and personal freedom.

Adapted from his own stage play by Eugene Ionesco, possibly the key playwright in the Theatre of the Absurd movement, Rhinoceros asks if the average person can resist the urge to conform with the rest of society, and maintain a unique character. Written in the aftermath of World War 2 and at the height of the Cold War, the themes of Rhinoceros still carry an important message.

Gene Wilder plays ineffectual office worker Stanley, spending his days with his friend John (Mostel), and pining for his co-worker Daisy (Karen Black). When Stanley discovers to his horror that the human population is turning into rhinoceroses, he is determined to take a stand but will he be able to resist?

Taking the role he created on the Broadway stage, Zero Mostel gives an astonishing comic performance. His transformation sequence has to be seen to be believed!