Movie Review — Hollywood or Bust
This was their sixteenth and the last movie with Dean Martin & Jerry Lewis, which was released at the end of 1956, almost five months, when they broke up. Jerry Lewis in his memoir Dean & Me said he this is the only one of his movies he has never watched. It was difficult during the filming as Jerry and Dean rarely talked off set.
Like all their movies, that I have seen Lewis plays the lovable idiot, Malcolm Smith, while Dean plays the strait guy, although in this case, a gambler Steve Wiley who has a big debt to play. Wiley has gambling debts he needs to pay, and has organized fake winning tickets for a red 1956 Chrysler New Yorker convertible. Everyone can see what could happen. When the winning ticket is announced, both Steve and Malcolm claim the car. So, they were both declared the winners. Steve needs to sell the car to pay his gambling debts, while Malcolm wants to go to Hollywood to meet the blond actress Anita Ekberg. Steve thinks of a plan, lying that he knows Anita. Bless Malcolm, he is so nice, trusting but very naïve, believes Steve. Steve wanted to steal the car as Malcolm wanted to pack some luggage, but Malcolm brings alone his Great Dane who he named Mr. Bascomb which puts a stop to his plans there, and during their journey. This truly should be taken as a road trip movie. What can I say, I like road trip movies! It is a shame Jerry Lewis never watched it, but I think the production had too many bad memories for him. Yet this movie was a good send off for the pair, who were one of America’s greatest comedy teams.
Directed: Frank Tashlin Starring: Dean Martin, Jerry Lewis, Pat Crowley, Maxie Rosenbloom & Anita Ekberg Genre: Comedy/semi-musical Rating: 12+ Year: 1956
This movie review is from Carl Strehlow, a valued member of Coffin Nation. Photo credit: YouTube screenshot ________________________________________________________________________________________________
Tweet to Patrick HERE
Follow Patrick on Facebook HERE
Subscribe to the Podcast and the YouTube Channel
(Click on the images and then click on subscribe)
Apple/Mac Users:
Android Users:
Subscribe to the YouTube Channel:
While you are there, please leave an honest review.
Comments