wes-connors
After lucrative comedian "Wally Brandford" dies in a plane crash, his management team decides to make bumbling bellhop Jerry Lewis (as Stanley Belt) a replacement. Mr. Lewis manages to have a hit record with "I Lost My Heart in a Drive-In Movie", but his nightclub appearance bombs big time. The film's premise seems to suggest you should laugh at Lewis being unfunny. Eventually, he finds success with secretary Ina Balin (as Ellen Betz). Although you can see it coming a mile away, the segment with antique collector Hans Conried is nicely done. And, the enjoyable "Spring Hop" flashback shows Lewis in his element.**** The Patsy (7/8/64) Jerry Lewis ~ Jerry Lewis, Ina Balin, Everett Sloane, Peter Lorre
JasparLamarCrabb
An extremely funny Jerry Lewis movie in which Lewis plays a bellhop who happens to be the lookalike of a famous (very Jerry Lewis-like) celebrity. When the celebrity dies, the bellhop steps in...of course. In no time he's made into a superstar by handlers Peter Lorre, Phil Harris, etc. Not in a league with THE DISORDERLY ORDERLY or THE NUTTY PROFESSOR, but still a very worthy piece of work from the prolific Lewis (he co-wrote the script and directed as well). Lewis is hysterical and he's surrounded himself with a lot of great talent, none of whom gets short shrift in the mix...a very funny Hans Conried, a bizarre Nancy Kulp, and Richard Deacon pop up and Lewis's leading lady is the effervescent Ina Balin. With a really clever ending proving why Lewis was such an innovative film-maker. George Raft makes one his many '60s cameos playing himself along with Ed Wynn, Mel Torme and, of course, Hedda Hopper.
eugenesandor
This masterpiece, IS by far, Jerry Lewis's best movie! It has a similar plot to other films like; Errand Boy, Bellboy, but it's as if Jerry took it up a big notch, and threw in every strange thought that was going through his head! The opening scenes, where he is being offered "the deal" to make him a star, is worth the price of admission. It does lose a bit of steam towards the end, but overall, the gags,music,etc.. are first rate! Jerry was so ahead of his time. This hilarious & strange movie, predicted the whole "American Idol", and no-talent reality show personalities, that we all have thrown in our faces daily! Get the DVD for some cool bonus features, and dig that 60's color!
didi-5
An office boy is turned into the great new sensation - a 'patsy' of a committee of old timers. Jerry Lewis is Stanley Belt, a clumsy, dumb kind of a man who seems the perfect fall guy to generate income for those pulling the strings.A strong supporting cast - Everett Sloane, Peter Lorre, Keenan Wynn, Phil Harris, John Carradine - shine in support of Lewis; while Ina Balin provides decoration and a love interest.'The Patsy' is slightly self-indulgent and presents both the best and the worst of Jerry Lewis, although when it is funny, it is well worth watching - the piece where Lewis sings on television is hilarious.If you're a Lewis fan, don't miss. If you're not, perhaps this isn't the one to start with. If you have no feelings either way, it is a pleasant way to spend an afternoon, with some general interest for film buffs.
