The Life of Reilly is a dynamic, riveting, and heartfelt documentary that offers an intimate glimpse into the life of a multifaceted and much-loved American entertainment figure, Charles Nelson Reilly. Directed by Frank L. Anderson and Barry Poltermann, this film was released in 2006, three years before Reilly’s death.

The documentary is primarily based on Reilly's award-winning, one-person stage show titled "Save it for the Stage: The Life of Reilly," which he performed around the country to much acclaim. The movie delights audiences with shots of Reilly’s live performances interspersed with stirring, poignant and sometimes hilariously humorous reflections on the course of his personal life and career.

Charles Nelson Reilly, best known to most as a humorous game show personality, theatrical director, and irrepressible performer, delivers a mesmerizing and emotional performance. Renowned for his frequent appearances on the TV game show Hollywood Squares and roles in Broadway’s Bye Bye Birdie and Hello, Dolly!, Reilly’s screen and stage accomplishments often overshadowed his personal journey. However, this documentary brings to light the trials and triumphs of a man who weaved his way through hardships and emerged as a resilient and remarkable personality.

Born in 1931, Reilly's life traces a classic American narrative of a fearless artist who overcomes adversity and prejudice. Raised by a Swedish-American mother amid the hardships of the Great Depression, Reilly exemplifies the definition of a self-made man in the entertainment industry. The film also delves into his struggles with sexuality in an era when homosexuality was heavily stigmatized. Audiences get to experience a deeply personal account of his relationships, the loss of loved ones, his evolution as an individual, and his indomitable spirit.

Charles Nelson Reilly shares tales from his complex and fascinating life, including experiences that range from traumatic to hilarious. Stories of his early days in the Bronx, his tumultuous relationship with his mother, his escape to Miami during his adolescence, and his climb up the theatrical ladder in New York are all shared with raw honesty.

The Life of Reilly allows the viewer to look past Reilly's flamboyant public persona and gain insight into the man behind the fame. Documented in this film is his embodiment of many roles, including an actor, a teacher, and a director. But most importantly, The Life of Reilly paints a vivid life portrait, a roller-coaster journey filled with hardships, hilarity, triumphs, love, and loss.

Shining through various aspects of the film, Reilly's quick wit and unmatched storytelling skills are on full display as he takes center stage. There is a perfect juxtaposition of realism and theatrics in the portrayal of his journey, maintaining perfect balance.

The film makes a distinct statement about a man they thought they knew well. Instead of limiting him to stereotypical labels, this movie reveals a complex, courageous, highly talented individual who faced a tough life with a blend of humor, determination, and defiance. Reilly is candid, sporadically self-deprecating, and above all, incredibly genuine.

Technically, the film excels in simplicity. Unlike traditional documentaries that rely heavily on supplemental material, The Life of Reilly depends almost entirely on the compelling nature of Reilly’s character and the charisma with which he presents himself. The film stays true to its theatrical roots, bringing hints of the stage to the cinema.

Anderson and Poltermann's depiction of Reilly’s life manages to be profoundly meaningful, deeply poignant, and, at other times, immensely amusing. It navigates through Reilly's personal and professional life in such a way that viewers leave with a sense of having been taken on a journey of a person with an extraordinary life story.

The Life of Reilly is a potent blend of humanity, humor, and reality-check moments that capture one man's incredible journey through joy, tragedy, success, and struggle. Allowing the audience to step into the shoes of a truly unique man, whose motto was always "Save it for the Stage," this film provides an unvarnished, intimate, and moving portrait of an artist whose life was as fascinating and complex as the characters he brought to life on stage and screen. You will laugh, you may cry, but you will undoubtedly leave with a deeper appreciation for Charles Nelson Reilly's extraordinary life and career.