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Comedy Cult Classic

A burlesque comedian time-travels to a prehistoric world of cave queens, courtroom farce, and scant clothing.

50,000 B.C. (BEFORE CLOTHING)

1963 · 1h 15m · NR · Comedy / Science Fiction

A man travels back in time and meets prehistoric cavepeople who are often nude.

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Vault Note

From the vault: Proof that time machines and burlesque comics were a match made in prehistoric heaven.

Programmer's Pick

This is what happens when you mix burlesque humor, time travel, and a wardrobe budget set firmly in the Stone Age. Warner Rose directs a slapstick romp where the only thing more exposed than the costumes are the punchlines. Prehistoric hijinks meet mid-century risqué in a film that’s about as subtle as a club to the head.

— SassyFlix Programmer
Quick Answer
What is 50,000 B.C. (Before Clothing) about?

50,000 B.C. (Before Clothing) is a 1963 comedy science fiction film directed by Warner Rose about a burlesque comedian who, after a spat with his wife, stumbles into a time machine and is transported to a prehistoric era ruled by cavepeople.

Details & Specs
Director
Warner Rose
Writers
Herbert Lannard, Arnold Drake, Warner Rose
Release
1963
Runtime
1h 15m
Also Known As
Nude on the Rocks

Synopsis

Charlie Wishnick, an ex-burlesque comedian, receives a scolding from his prudish wife, an ex-stripper, for daring to enjoy himself at the Sewer Department Ball. He stumbles into his neighbor's time machine, which carries him back to 50,000 B. C. He is captured by a cave man, and sentenced to death by the King. The Queen intervenes to save him, but he is commanded not to touch the maiden Bubsmia, who has been promised as a sacrifice to the giant Gorax.

Nevertheless, Bubsmia seduces Charlie. She is seized and sentenced to die, but charms the judge and jury, who condemn Charlie in her place. The trial recalls Charlie's vaudeville "courtroom scene." Zelda, a beautiful slave, is given the task of making Charlie's last night a happy one. Their evening together is continually interrupted, just as in Charlie's "honeymoon" vaudeville routine. As Charlie is taken to be smashed against the rocks, Gorax appears.

Charlie whistles "Dixie." The hat he had rented for the Sewer Department Ball once belonged to Lincoln, and explodes at the tune. The stunned giant vanishes, and Charlie reluctantly becomes the new leader. Zelda discovers the time machine, however, and accidentally starts it. Attempting to pull her away, Charlie is caught inside. Upon his return to the modern age, he is confronted by his wife, who wants to know where he has been. Charlie struggles to restart the motor, and finally succeeds, traveling off to paradise again.

Why Cult

Burlesque Time Travel

A vaudeville comic's accidental journey to the age of cavepeople leads to fish-out-of-water comedy and cheeky anachronisms.

Prehistoric Courtroom Farce

The trial scene riffs on classic vaudeville routines, dropping slapstick humor into the Stone Age.

Scantily Clad Cavepeople

The film is notorious for its frequent nudity among the cave dwellers, blending risqué comedy with stone tools.

Campy Cast

Featuring Charlie Robinson, Julie Ange as the Cavewoman Queen, and Eddie Carmel as the giant Gorax, the ensemble leans into the camp with gusto.

Questions from the Vault

What is 50,000 B.C. (Before Clothing) about? +

It's about Charlie Wishnick, a burlesque comedian who is sent back to the Stone Age by a neighbor's time machine, where he encounters nude cavepeople, royal intrigue, and slapstick trials.

When was 50,000 B.C. (Before Clothing) released? +

50,000 B.C. (Before Clothing) was released in 1963.

Who directed 50,000 B.C. (Before Clothing)? +

The film was directed by Warner Rose.

How long is 50,000 B.C. (Before Clothing)? +

The runtime is 75 minutes.

What genre is 50,000 B.C. (Before Clothing)? +

It is a comedy science fiction film.

Where can I watch 50,000 B.C. (Before Clothing)? +

You can watch it on SassyFlix.