THE BIRDCAGE (1996) | How to Act Like a Man | MGM

A gay cabaret owner and his drag queen companion agree to put up a false straight front so that their son can introduce them to his fiancée's right-wing moralistic parents.
The Birdcage (1996)
Directed by: Mike Nichols
Screenplay by: Elaine May
Cast: Robin Williams, Gene Hackman, Nathan Lane And Dianne Wiest
Rated R for language
Available on Blu-Ray, DVD and digital platforms.
Connect with MGM Studios Online
Visit the MGM Studios WEBSITE: www.mgm.com/
Check out MGM on TIKTOK: / mgmstudios
Follow MGM Studios on INSTAGRAM: / mgmstudios
Follow MGM Studios on TWITTER: / mgm_studios
Like MGM Studios on FACEBOOK: / mgm
About MGM Studios: Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Inc. is a leading entertainment company focused on the production and distribution of film and television content globally. The company owns one of the world’s deepest libraries of premium film and television content. In addition, MGM has investments in domestic and international television channels, including MGM-branded channels.
The Birdcage (1996)
/ mgm

[@AT-st5dr]

How can Nathan Lane not have won an Oscar for this role. It still baffles me he wasn’t even nominated.

[@sofijaantzaras4970]

someone should draw/animate this scene with Timon and Genie talking!!!!

[@andywinslow9638]

How many actors win for comedies tho? That's why. And you're right tho. He still should have been

[@AT-st5dr]

@@andywinslow9638 Hellen hunt, Jack Nicholson, Marissa Tomei, whoopi Goldberg are just a few to have won for comedy roles.

[@user-py5kg4yw1r]

В одном улее все пчёлы 🐝 одинаковые 😂😂😂 расшифрую- one-without another one ☝🏼-NOBODY Пожтому Оскар одного покрывает окружение его

[@user-py5kg4yw1r]

@@andywinslow9638 it will fly again 🐝❤️🤘🏼😋

[@MikeMJPMUNCH]

"Actually it's perfect, I just never realized John Wayne walked like that" still my favourite line in the whole film

[@cnmcginn1981]

🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@cnmcginn1981]

Mine is, "its aspirin with the a and the s scratched off". "You're a genius." "I know" 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@SFBenjaminK]

F*n takes me back in Highschool years back in 90s, saw this flick in Theaters with my school friends, we laughed entire the movie ...is a masterpiece , watched it many times since then...RIP Robin😥 IN & OUT is another GREAT one 2 👍

[@Shindai]

Even when I know it's coming it always somehow catches me off guard and makes me belly laugh

[@johnmckenzie4639]

Mine is "Oh God! I pierced the toast!"

[@richardsiciliano7117]

"I can always get more toast." Words to live by.

[@risk5riskmks93]

Yeah I kinda needed this now.

[@paceflchick]

It's definitely the little things.

[@susanb2015]

I was upset about something and I thought of that line

[@milhouse14]

They are perfect for their roles. I could not imagine any actors playing these roles. Rest In Peace, Mr Williams.

[@lariosleandro6536]

You should see the original film : Ugo Tognazzi and Michel Serraut A MASTER PIECE ! The original and the best ! This is an american parodia.

[@nelsonc6173]

@@lariosleandro6536 Agreed they were awesome as well! Loved the original!!!

[@user-py5kg4yw1r]

😋❤❤❤

[@rafaellima83]

@@lariosleandro6536 I've seen the original, it's a brilliant, histerically funny movie, I actually watched all 3 movies from France. But... man... I rarely ever think american remakes top their original movies, but Nathan Lane is so frigging perfect here. IMO it's one of the top examples of an actor who "Nailed the role".

[@dfa3366]

You can thank Steve Martin for not able to do the movie as Armand because of schedule conflicts. Once he dropped out Robin Williams wanted to play Armand and the role of Albert was offered to Nathan Lane.

[@DanMan852]

This is what all movies should strive to be. I laughed, I cried, and I questioned my manhood all in a 3 minute clip. Way to go Robin Williams!

[@DG-zi8lc]

I fist bumped the air!

[@234dream_big]

In a list of the 5 best comedies ever i would defently put it on the list

[@reenapurdy3923]

People are people no matter what!

[@user-sh7yc3sx4o]

The world according to Garp 👍

[@reenapurdy3923]

@@user-sh7yc3sx4o Robin Williams still in my heart!

[@emmjay22]

Only Nathan Lane could steal a scene up against Robin Williams. Love them both ❤

[@lorettbrennan2505]

Robin Williams and Nathan Lane were fantastic in this movie❤

[@davaotripsters]

Coincidentally, both of them voiced as some of the iconic Disney characters such as Genie from Aladdin (Williams) and Timon from Lion King (Lane).

[@dtulip1]

Don't gforget Gene Hackman 😁

[@starryeyes2067]

The woman seated at the table deserves an Oscar for not cracking up through the whole scene! 😂 I wonder how many "takes" were needed!

[@CreepyBlueAnimals84]

One of the most underrated couples in movie history!! They will always be one of my all-time favorites!!💕

[@jikook7457]

I can't believe this movie is almost 30yrs old. I love it as much as the first time I saw it. I am sad tho thinking about Robin Williams passing.The treasures he left will always be appreciated.

[@nelsonc6173]

I wish Lane and Williams made more movies together! They were such a great combo! RIP Robin...the world could use some serious laughs right now.

[@davideberhardt6150]

oh the irony of the phrase "serious laughs"

[@Crazy-Horse-Tx.]

Indeed

[@oanaalexia]

That moment when you realized these two actors played Timon and the Genie.

[@cdheidt]

I worked in a restaurant in NYC and Nathan L would frequent there. He was perfect for this role.

[@reenapurdy3923]

They don't make movies like that anymore..classic cast!

[@patriciawatkins9539]

Walking like John Wayne in clogs 😂😂😂😂

[@gailwebb9619]

I know I cracked a rib from laughing so hard at this scene…the entire audience in the theater was in hysterics!

[@charleskaplan3567]

In 1996!

[@CMinorOp67]

Really?? I recall maybe four other people in the theatre other than me and my friends. And, we disliked this movie so much, it’s one of the only movies I have ever walked out of 3/4ths of the way through. Seeing this scene now…I remember why.

[@gailwebb9619]

@@CMinorOp67 Your opinion. Lots of others would disagree with you.

[@charlottesmom]

@@CMinorOp67 The Birdcage is not everyone’s taste (NO movie is) but I laughed so much through the whole movie, as did my kids, loved it and still love it. 😂

[@andyrome316]

Hmmm... Yeah...definitely each to their own...

[@elib7311]

One of my FAVORITE movies. The guy who plays the maid…when expected to cook and wear shoes…omg…😂😂😂😂😂

[@ChrisCaramia]

Hank Azaria as Agador Spartacus. He forgot the shrimps!

[@softlystolen1208]

@@ChrisCaramiait’s da shoes. they make him fall down

[@marianblanchard-gage]

​@@softlystolen1208😅😅😅

[@paulholloway8885]

What an amazing movie. Their chemistry here was brilliant.

[@cesareaugusto9677]

Albert's rendition of a macho cowboy is comedy gold 🤠

[@Android-Zen]

When nathan lane got up and started walking i busted out laughing. Such a classic movie.😅

[@ianlawrie]

That John Wayne walking scene was the last time I literally laughed till I cried and my ribs hurt. Even seeing it now cracks me up. I'm in my sixties now.

[@ryanbrown7536]

"I pierced the toast...!!" Die laughing every time! 🤣

[@HM-kg8so]

Hahahaa just wrote the same thing!! Too funny! 😂

[@dizbang3073]

You can always get more toast.

[@user-py5kg4yw1r]

😂😂😂🎉

[@user-py5kg4yw1r]

@@dizbang3073 👍🏼🥰👍🏼🙏🙏🙏🤘🏼😋

[@traceyhordern222]

So, so many great lines; "Oh God, I peirced the toast!" "Actually it's perfect, I just never realized John Wayne walked like that" But for some reason, "You take the knife and you SMEAR, men SMEAR" cracks me up. One of my all-time favourite films. RIP Robin Williams.

[@reddeserted13]

One of the funniest movies I've ever seen. A thousand percent true.

[@ratclone]

“How do you think I feel: betrayed, bewildered: wrong response?”, “I’m not sure”

[@easygame7955]

One of the greatest scenes in all of cinema.

[@gailwebb9619]

Agree. When he walked like John Wayne both my hubs and I were howling with laughter! Like Armand says we never realized John Wayne walked like that!

[@leahhaws3131]

So brilliant!! This is one of the few movies I can never get sick of.

[@DocPortland]

Every scene of this movie had to have at least 25 takes... good grief, how did they even get through it. Pure genius...

[@tomace7924]

“Men Smear!!!” That line kills me every time!!!

[@humantacos9800]

To this day i still smear my butter.

[@tomace7924]

@@humantacos9800 Same here!! I smear not only butter but mustard, mayo, jelly, jam, etc..

[@weston407]

SMEAR!

[@ianman15]

One of the best scenes in the movie! Williams and Lane were terrific together!

[@Trainboy452]

That moment when you realized these two actors played Timon and the Genie.

[@libertyvilleguy2903]

This movie was outstanding; so many great performances.

[@rightweaponry908]

This was my absolute favorite movie as a kid, i still know all the words to every scene but this was one of my favorite parts. The "howdy ma'am" gets me every time.

[@AI_admin]

I think I will get the DVD out and watch this movie again, it has so many laughs in it. RIP Robin Williams.

[@mollysimmons2960]

Me Too😅😂🤣 OMG this small snippet had me in stitches😂🤣✨💖Love REAL men, 🌟🌟Robin,Nathan🌟🌟

[@carolynhannah8757]

Funniest movie ever. Robin and Nathan are hilarious. Hank Azaria and Gene Hackman are fantastic

[@jeremypr]

I was like 16 when my mom and grandmother took me to the movie theatre to see this, it was hilarious

[@BeazleyStudios]

Just a brilliant film with two incredible actors.

[@Trancegirl1966]

This is one of my favourite scenes from "The Birdcage". I've never watched the original film that this movie is based on, Robin Williams and Nathan Lane were PERFECT for their roles. ❤

[@novembercherry4]

I’ve only seen it once. It was in French and had subtitles. Fun watch.

[@weston407]

I saw the play and I didn't think it was nearly as funny as The Birdcage - I probably had huge bias going into it but The Birdcage is one of the funniest movies I've ever seen and I've seen it dozens of times so it'd be hard for anything to live up to it

[@jeffreybarton1297]

This just made me roar with laughter. Haven't done that for about a year.

[@stereoroid]

2:35 I can almost hear Michael Caine: “I haven’t seen a walk like that since Jurassic Park”.

[@karenamy2117]

😂😂😂😂😂

[@pamelah6431]

HEY, I'M GLIDING HERE.

[@claudiaa3443]

Wow. The nostalgia just hit me like a ton of bricks. 😢

[@adwoamk8918]

Gosh, I can't believe Robin Williams is gone.

[@lisaterry2387]

One of my favorite movies of all time!! Two comic geniuses!!

[@nuschlerclark895]

That lady’s hat used to be a BIG deal. Made out of pieces of aluminum cans like Budweiser, sewn with yarn and crochet hooks. The movie was SUPERB!!

[@lemondropkid6175]

Elaine May did such a great job on this film

[@danabrown276]

Hank Azaria as Agador was a riot too

[@HM-kg8so]

“I pierced the toast” no words at all 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂❤

[@gabrielcasuco7448]

1:01

[@hankakah4180]

This scene is so underrated! Robin William's impersonation of John Wayne was spot on! And when Nathan Lane walked like John Wayne, I actually do remember a movie where John Wayne walked exactly like that, and like Robin Willam's character says, perfect, I just didn't realize he walked like that is so true!

[@valsmith8113]

The best film ever. Every time I watch it it's like the first.. Love it ❤

[@ratclone]

John Wayne: couldn’t we start with someone easier? 😆

[@jimmcconnell7328]

This clip is priceless! It’s true ,Wayne did walk funny. How I miss Robin Williams.

[@arthurwatts1680]

Lane still pops up from time to time - criminally underrated IMO and this was a scene-stealing role. I can't say that living above a nightclub ever appealed to me but the script made that a minor detail. The snobs will forever refer to the French original but I laughed at both versions.

[@shawnmurray9964]

I saw this at the theater when it came out & have never forgotten this scene, delicious!!! ❤

[@sandyblue4235]

John Wayne did walk like that. This is hilarious

[@amafirenze-vi1uh]

In the French version Renato said "But that is John Wayne's sister!"

[@daughterofolaf]

His John Wayne walk looks like he’s just trying not to fall over. 😆

[@ah7910]

It’s more than that, there’s a slight performative almost dance-like element, like a grand dame of stage, like a Judy Garland type walking up to the microphone during a big musical vamp. You either get it or you don’t.

[@brickwitheyes1710]

One of the funny bits ever. So spot on and brilliant

[@prajwas2004]

You entertained and brought joy to many people. What more can one ask for. Rip Robin Williams 🙏.

[@lauriefrancisco1084]

One of the funniest scenes ever, and definitely one of my favs from the movie. Another one that sticks out is Agador's massive prat fall, face first, because he's wearing shoes! For some reason I occasionally say his line to myself, and I try to do it in his voice (even though I'm a female) because it makes me laugh: "I never wear shoes because they make me fall down!" I could watch this scene over and over. Thanks for isolating it!

[@axlrio]

I quote that line too, in Agador’s voice! Also: It’s just aspirin with the “a” and the “s-a” scratched off!

[@novembercherry4]

That whole dinner scene was a riot! “But you forgot the shrimps…” “Fck the shrimp!!!” 😂😂😂

[@cristinabuffington9659]

I sometimes use the shoes line when I get home from work. That’s the power of the movie

[@tompriceusmc]

Watch Robins face at 1:00 and then again at 2:48 as he's holding in his laughter.

[@cnmcginn1981]

I'll never not love The Birdcage

[@user-py5kg4yw1r]

Never SAY-NEVER! 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂 one second can change everything & ANYTHING 😮😅🎉❤❤❤

[@EstateSaleShopper1]

I was just watching "The Sons Of Katie Elder" and there is a long shot of John Wayne walking down the street, towards the camera. I thought of this scene immediately. NAILED IT!

[@SandraLily2]

1:58 Albert's clogs😂😂. This entire scene was brilliant!

[@boobie17]

My pinky always did that . Later on in life my then wife said to me " if only I'd known this from the start ,I wouldn't have accepted your marriage proposal" For both our sakes ,I wish she had . Miserable 19 years pretending to be something you're not. Thank god in my old age and in the proper country ,I found the courage to come out and be happy beside a loving man.

[@CosmicIceCream]

We can only be who we are. Good on ya for figuring that out. I'm 51 and understand all too well the clarity that comes with age.

[@happycat3399]

Congrats to your happy life!!💕

[@hilanapieterse1693]

I feel sorry for both of you. Especially for her. Spending almost 20 years of your life miserable. What a waste.

[@zztopz7090]

Well thanks for wasting 19 years of her life on a false promise. Let me guess, society is to blame and you are the victim?

[@danicaguran281]

Lieber boobie, es ist verabscheuungswürdig wie Sie sich selbst bemitleiden! Und natürlich sind alle andere daran schul, dass Sie lügen und betrügen und nicht glücklich sind…

[@thisis.michelletorres444]

Man, this movie was a real gem (miss you Robin), if you haven't seen it, it's a must watch!! Nathan Lane was bloody brilliant, they both were!

[@Joesmoothdog]

Sadly, couldn't be made today. I'm a full on hairy biker guy and I LOVE this movie.

[@nikivella1159]

Conservatives would ban it for being "woke"

[@ronalddesiderio7625]

Nathan Lanes hysterical

[@aleksandraadamski5093]

One of my favourite movies of all time

[@annepearson1551]

Robin almost lost character when Nathan pierced the toast and it went flying actress the table!!

[@jeremypr]

I noticed that……they had to have so much fun filming this one

[@mrpurple11]

This whole scene is perfect comedy. Love this movie since i was a child. Died laughing even though 90% of the references scaped me

[@Stevo935]

"Nice touch", as John Wayne puts on his big floppy sunhat. 😆

[@HM-kg8so]

😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@redlightmax]

0:59 Whenever Albert pierced the toast, I would focus on his over-reaction - finally I see that Armand's reaction is also great.😄

[@Gigilamer]

I LOVE this film!!! And this scene! ❤😂

[@soyzworldful]

Two most amazing talented actors ❤

[@cynthiasmith4130]

This movie is so excellent!! The comedy of it all is so hilarious!!!!😂😂😂😂.... Robin we miss you so much.... Nathan Lane is so funny, he makes the movie!!! The housekeeper is a riot!!!! Excellent movie!!!!!❤❤❤❤....🌹🌹🌹🌹....

[@zacharymanson6347]

Legendary performances and dialogue bleed throughout this classic. Recommended to fans of satire, romance, and solid sense of humor. 😎😩👌

[@indeswma4904]

This is such a hilarious performance by both men, it holds up so well.

[@aztecolatino]

always remember the single most important lesson: whatever you do.......... do not pierce the toast! 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@zacharysiple629]

No, you just don't go to pieces when it happens. :)

[@oscarguzman5664]

"Albert you pierced the toast, Sooo what!"🍞 Always loved that line.

[@user-hq6wk9qf5m]

Bird cage got to be the most hilarious movie ever

[@karenfindlay4185]

This is one of my all-time favourite movies! So many great actors, so many great lines! There are times when I tell myself, “All I have to remember is I can always get more toast!”

[@perseus9428]

John Wayne (Real name Marion) actually had a ridiculously swishy walk.

[@deeocarolan2301]

OMG - so so funny - I am crying with laughter / I am a big John Wayne fan and that walk is just the best JW walk - two great actors making us laugh - the whole scene is just the best - thank you to both of you.

[@thedudeabides3138]

What a terrific final line. Lane doesn't just steal every scene he's in, he heists so it was a really brave decision to cast Williams opposite him and play foil to a roll he'd normally be cast in. Sublime performances from both. Hank Azaria's Agador is easily one of the funniest performances I've ever seen...imagine being able to say that in a Lane / Williams movie?!

[@Shapes_Quality_Control]

Let’s not forget Gene Hackman’s role as the senator. Incredible chemistry with not just his on screen wife, Diane Weist but he and Lane together later in the movie were hilarious!

[@Forheavenssake1ify]

They must have had SO much fun filming this!

[@Oceanside2023]

Adding the lady in the background in there was an incredibly intelligent approach! lol! 😂 😂😂 I forgot how extremely amazing Robin Williams was including Nathan as well!

[@vantheman1238]

Nathan Lane is brilliant. The Bird Cage went down a storm in the UK because we love camp humour.

[@ziggy33399]

Never saw the movie…that said, tears of laughter are rolling down my face…. Love them both. Need to see this movie. 🍿

[@biff5856]

Fabulous, the two legends in the same flick. Love it.

[@MsDudette21]

When he does that walk at 1:49 I'm just like, "yaas, girl".

[@jingalls9142]

Perfect film. An absolute high art masterpiece.

[@taouinche]

Despite all the respect and admiration I have for Mr. Williams and the undeniable talent these two actors show in this scene, it does not reach the brilliance of the original. That's the problem with remakes, they only exceptionally produce the effect of the originals, in both laughter and tears.

[@Kellybelleee]

I love it when actors are “acting”. So talented! ❤❤❤

[@survivor648]

Alberts idea was actually perfect he had them fooled😂

[@a.m.3719]

He is so dramatic, I love it❤

[@rebeccamccoy2346]

This movie is on for about five minutes when you forget Nathen’s character is a man. Classic comedy that I still enjoy watching and laugh myself silly. Like everyone else I miss Robin.

[@Canyon2023]

One of the BEST scenes in movie history!!! Unforgettable.

[@gcchair7634]

This is one of my favorite movies. I watched it every night for about an entire year.

[@paulotavares9357]

That's what you get when two stars collide: pure talent!

[@Jude300c]

The extra's expressions have me in tears

[@karenamy2117]

Men SCHMEEEEEAAAAAR!!!!

[@englandportugal91]

This film is so funny!