AFI FILM FEST: A WINDOW ON SOME FAR SHORES : SATURDAY

“Around the World in 80 Ways” (Australia, 1986, 9:30 p.m.). Screwball comedy lives in this antic yarn from Down Under. The plot-heavy tale concerns two sons who plan to cash in on their senile, virtually blind father’s insurance policy by faking a world tour in their back yard--thus placating Dad’s pursuit of his absconding wife. While the story fizzles out, the sheer ingenuity of the endevour--particularly in simulating an airplane flight--creates enough good will to forgive the narrative shortcomings. A “g’day” for broad-minded viewers. Recommended.