The Patsy
When a popular entertainer meets with an untimely death, his shocked showbiz associates are desperate to find a quick replacement. That replacement is Stanley Belt (Jerry Lewis), a meek hotel employee, who suddenly finds himself being cajoled, prodded and groomed for stardom! Stanley may have no business being in show business, but that's not going to stop his determined mentors from trying to mold him into a musical superstar! This frenzied comedy's all-star supporting cast includes Everett Sloane, Phil Harris, Keenan Wynn, Ed Wynn, Peter Lorre, John Carradine, Hans Conried, Nancy Kulp, Richard Deacon, Scatman Crothers, Rhonda Fleming, George Raft and Mel Torme.
Member Reviews
Too much deadwood - Shawn_in_Montreal
In addition to the endless mugging mentioned by the other reviewers, there's also the matter of how awfully slow this film is, at times.
Jerry fancies himself an auteur filmmaker: yet for all his film experience, scenes often play like badly filmed theatre rather than cinema, stiff and stagey, especially the opening and closing sequences.
Lewis would have benefited from a co-director who knew how to construct and shoot scenes, and an editor determined to cut out the deadwood: whoever he was working with at the editing table couldn't cut it -- literally.
There are a few funny moments, but not enough to recommend this film to anyone but the hardcore Jerry Lewis fan.Undeniably Bad - 40s_Flick_Fan
I have to agree with the previous reveiwer, Lewis should have quit when he and Dean parted ways, and this film is proof. THERE IS SO MUCH TALENT IN THIS MOVIE AND THE NONE OF IT IS PUT TO USE!!! Lewis is simply put, not funny. He grates on the nerves and is annoying. I mean Peter Lorre, Phil Harris and Hans Conried are in this movie and they have absolutely nothing to do. (Although Conried has one good seen and Harris is good in anything.) What gumption to cast such legends just to stand around and watch a hack. They must have needed the money badlyIt's a shame: All that talent given nothing to do - Radio_Jane
Without Dean Martin, Jerry Lewis is a rather pathetic actor. Generally I cannot stand him solo. So why you ask, did I rent this movie? Because of the supporting cast. Elder statesmen of film and radio round out the players here: John Carradine, Peter Lorre, and the reason I rented the film in the first place: Phil Harris. Unfortunately, they have little to do except stand around and wath Lewis act like an ass. The problem with Lewis is he is 20 years too old for these types of shenanigans in this movie, and he lacks a good foil (That's why he and Dino did so well together). What would have been cute when a gawky 20 year old did it is ridiculous when a middle aged man attempts it. And the story jumps in ridiculous ways too. I did give it three stars however, because their are some pantomime moments where shades of the old Lewis show through, One scene where Phil Harris throws a tantrum gives the uninitiated viewer a glimpse at how funny that wonderful man was, and lastly the cameos with Ed Wynn, Nancy Kulp and Hedda Hopper. If you like ridiculous slapstik, you will be rolling in the aisles here, but even if you don't, there is enough here to make watching it almost worthwile.
Member Reviews
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Too much deadwood - Shawn_in_Montreal
In addition to the endless mugging mentioned by the other reviewers, there's also the matter of how awfully slow this film is, at times.
Jerry fancies himself an auteur filmmaker: yet for all his film experience, scenes often play like badly filmed ...Undeniably Bad - 40s_Flick_Fan
I have to agree with the previous reveiwer, Lewis should have quit when he and Dean parted ways, and this film is proof. THERE IS SO MUCH TALENT IN THIS MOVIE AND THE NONE OF IT IS PUT TO USE!!! Lewis is simply put, not funny. He grates on the nerves and ...It's a shame: All that talent given nothing to do - Radio_Jane
Without Dean Martin, Jerry Lewis is a rather pathetic actor. Generally I cannot stand him solo. So why you ask, did I rent this movie? Because of the supporting cast. Elder statesmen of film and radio round out the players here: John Carradine, Peter Lorre, ...