The Errand Boy

1961 "Fractures Hollywood with a Million Howls!"
6.4| 1h32m| NR| en| More Info
Released: 28 November 1961 Released
Producted By: Paramount
Country: United States of America
Budget: 0
Revenue: 0
Official Website:
Synopsis

Paramutual Pictures wants to know where all the money is going so they hire Morty to be their spy. Morty works for Mr. Sneak and gets a job in the mail room so that he can have access to the lot. But all that Morty ever finds is that he can cause havoc no matter what he does.

... View More
Stream Online

The movie is currently not available onine

Director

Producted By

Paramount

Trailers & Images

Reviews

Irishchatter From a painter to a comedy star, Jerry was always at his usual best! It was always funny seeing him interrupt a lot of the "behind the scenes" that took place in the studios. It was really fun on where he'll disrupt next. I liked so much at the beginning where he accidentally got involved in a party scene and he sang really loudly from the singer who was suppose to be entertaining in the scene. I found Howard McNear who played Dexter Sneak was really funny as he was very eccentric with his fast talking and his crazy behavior! It's too bad he was an unrated actor because he really deserved more for being in this movie! He should've been Jerry Lewis' sidekick if he had the chance to make us all laugh!If you like movies and comedy, this one is for you!
MartinHafer I don't think "The Errand Boy" is a film everyone will love. The film is essentially plot less and it's made up of one silly skit after another. Additionally, some of the bits are pretty bad--with some serious overacting by Jerry Lewis. Yet, despite its faults, the film is pleasant and entertaining.I could describe the plot but frankly it never made sense and occupied little of the film. Suffice to say that dopey Morty (Lewis) is hired as an errand boy at a film studio and ends up repeatedly screwing up pretty much everything he does. And, in the end, there is a twist--a nice one at that.Very few people would notice that much of "The Errand Boy" was lifted from the Harold Lloyd feature "Movie Crazy". Part of the reason folks won't recognize this is that it's a rather obscure film--created in the talking picture era when he was no longer quite the star he was during the silent days. Additionally, the film has been seen, quite inaccurately, as a dud--whereas it's really a dandy film. Here, Lewis resurrects much of this old film and into it injects lots of silliness. Some of the silliness doesn't work (as was often the case, the timing was a problem--skits were something overdone and drawn out way too much--especially the ones involving mispronunciations) and some does. I really didn't enjoy the pathos in scenes involving puppets but must admit a few of the skits (such as Jerry in the pool) were quite funny. Overall, a VERY mixed bag and a film much like Lewis' other plot less film, "The Bell Boy" (which I actually prefer). Worth seeing if you are a fan.By the way, for classic TV buffs, you'll easily recognize Howard McNear (Floyd the Barber from "The Andy Griffith Show"). But, if you look closely, you'll also see Barry Livingston (Ernie from "My Three Sons") in a skit involving jellybeans.
Joseph P. Ulibas The Errand Boy (1961) was another writer-actor-director outing from Jerry Lewis. He stars as a dim-witted billboard worker who's turned into a spy for the head of Paramutual Studios. His job is to work as an errand boy and find out why the studio is spending so much money. Whilst on the job he learns about the inner workings of the movie industry and more about himself in the process. Can he survive working for such a demanding business?Love him or hate him, you can't say Jerry Lewis is unoriginal. After a slow start, the movie kicks into high gear when the gags begin. Besides being an entertaining film, you also get a good look at the actual inner workings of a movie studio. There's even a couple of funny cameos and surprises. Personally, I don't like Jerry Lewis' work with Dean Martin and his solo outings. But when he's the actor-writer-director, he's a real hoot!I have to highly recommend this movie. If you like comedies or strange films, then this one's for you!xxx
Ghenghy This is one of his most daring and creative ventures along with The Bellboy. Not much dialogue, just over the top sight gags and general hilarity. What do you people expect? This is Jerry Lewis in top form and it just doesn't get any better. The only thing funnier than his movies are the ridiculous criticisms of his films on this sight. Hello people...this is Jerry Lewis OK! It's too bad that his egocentric persona alienated several generations that didn't grow up looking forward to his next project. The Errand Boy stands alone as one of the most innovative comedies of all time and anyone that can muster some objectivity will appreciate his work for what it is. I personally think this is one of the funniest movies of all time and I rank it as Jerry's best work, although the Academy may disagree. 10/10