Eccentric bellhop Stanley Belt is recruited unexpectedly by the comedy team of a recently deceased entertainer. Stanley struggles to become a song-and-dance man as the team grooms him to become a star. But as the date of a high-stakes appearance on the Ed Sullivan Show grows near, they begin to fear that the only astonishing thing about Stanley is his utter lack of talent.
Direction
Lewis's meticulous control over every pratfall and pause.
Acting
Lewis commits fully to Stanley's painful, glorious incompetence.
Practical Effects
Pre-digital physical comedy executed with surgical precision.
Director
Jerry Lewis
Jerry Lewis
Stanley Belt
Ina Balin
Ellen Betz
Everett Sloane
Caryl Fergusson
Phil Harris
Chic Wymore
Keenan Wynn
Harry Silver
Peter Lorre
Morgan Heywood
John Carradine
Bruce Alden
Hans Conried
Prof. Mulerr
Quinn O'Hara
Cigarette Girl
Richard Deacon
Sy Devore
Scatman Crothers
Shoeshine Boy
Del Moore
Policeman
Neil Hamilton
The Barber
Buddy Lester
Copa Café MC
Nancy Kulp
Helen, Theatergoer
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Lewis allegedly screened rough cuts for Chaplin, who suggested extensive edits — most of which Lewis ignored.
The film's cynical take on manufactured celebrity predicted reality TV decades early, though nobody noticed.
US
