Caveman (film)

Caveman is a 1981 American slapstick comedy film directed by Carl Gottlieb and starring Ringo Starr, Dennis Quaid, Barbara Bach, and Shelley Long. The film is set in a fictional prehistoric era and follows a tribe of cavemen as they encounter various creatures and situations. The dialogue is primarily in a made-up language consisting of grunts and simple words, although some characters occasionally speak broken English.

The plot centers around Atouk (Starr), a caveman who is ostracized from his tribe because of his short stature and lack of hunting skills. He falls in love with Lana (Bach), the mate of the tribal leader, Tonda (John Matuszak). Atouk then forms his own tribe, consisting of misfits and outcasts, and they embark on a series of humorous adventures. These adventures include encounters with dinosaurs (portrayed using stop-motion animation), rival tribes, and the discovery of fire. Ultimately, Atouk's tribe triumphs over Tonda's, and Atouk becomes the new leader.

Caveman received generally negative reviews upon its release, with critics citing its crude humor and simplistic plot. However, it has since gained a cult following, particularly for its absurdist style and the presence of Starr and Bach, who were married at the time. The film is notable for its production design and its attempt to create a believable, albeit comedic, prehistoric world.