This is the final Martin & Lewis film before their breakup. It begins with gambler Dean getting in trouble for gambling debts and the mob sends a tough guy (Maxie Rosenbloom) to beat him up unless he pays. However, instead of paying him off, Dean convinces Maxie to wait, as he's got a scheme to steal a brand-new convertible--thus paying off his debt and then some. It seems that these is a car giveaway at the local movie theater and Dean had the same printer make an extra set of tickets--then he can claim the prize. He figures that whenever there's a raffle, the winning ticket isn't usually the first or second one drawn, as many ticket holders don't bother to come to the theater. But, unfortunately, his plan falls apart when the winning ticket holder IS there (Jerry) and the two men both try to claim the prize. Instead of giving them two cars, the theater owner says they should share the car--and Dean plans on just stealing it the first chance he gets. So, Dean convinces movie-crazy Jerry to go with him to Hollywood so he can introduce him to Anita Ekberg (not a bad plan, as MOST heterosexual men in 1956 would quickly fall for this angle!). Naturally, however, the plan does NOT go smoothly and there are comic situations galore--thanks in many cases to Mr. Bascom (see the movie to find out more about him) and better than normal writing.
This is the only Martin & Lewis film I hadn't seen up to today and I always expected it to be terrible. After all, the team soon broke up and reportedly the two couldn't stand each other and barely spoke during production. But you really couldn't see this in the finished product--a clever movie with some nice gags. It also has a nice, leisurely pace that works well--surprisingly well. Considering the end product is so good and the film relies less than normal on Jerry's over-the-top histrionics than many of their films, it's a shame they went their separate ways. In a few cases, however, Jerry's shtick went on way, way too long was the over-acted bullfight scene and his expressions during the craps game. Still, a nice blend of comedy, music and romance--I wish I'd seen this one sooner. Certainly not great but quite enjoyable.
In Las Vegas, be sure to keep a close eye on the marquees they pass on their way through town.
This is the only Martin & Lewis film I hadn't seen up to today and I always expected it to be terrible. After all, the team soon broke up and reportedly the two couldn't stand each other and barely spoke during production. But you really couldn't see this in the finished product--a clever movie with some nice gags. It also has a nice, leisurely pace that works well--surprisingly well. Considering the end product is so good and the film relies less than normal on Jerry's over-the-top histrionics than many of their films, it's a shame they went their separate ways. In a few cases, however, Jerry's shtick went on way, way too long was the over-acted bullfight scene and his expressions during the craps game. Still, a nice blend of comedy, music and romance--I wish I'd seen this one sooner. Certainly not great but quite enjoyable.
In Las Vegas, be sure to keep a close eye on the marquees they pass on their way through town.