Film Review: Hollywood or Bust (1956)
Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis, one of the most formidable comedy duos in history, left an indelible mark on US popular culture during the mid-20th century. Their legendary partnership ended acrimoniously, yet their last film together, Hollywood or Bust,"released in 1956 and directed by Frank Tashlin, demonstrates that personal rifts did not hinder their comedic brilliance.
The opening prologue of the film pays homage to American and world's filmgoers who keep Hollywood afloat. The plot starts in New York City, where Martin plays Steve Wiley, a suave singer with an apparent gambling problem. He owes $3,000 to some unpleasant characters represented by Bookie Benny (played by Maxie Rosenbloom), and when told to pay, he offers a solution: counterfeit lottery tickets for the raffle at a local cinema theatre. The prize is a highly coveted 1956 Chrysler New Yorker convertible. However, when identical winning tickets are presented by Malcolm Smith (played by Lewis) and Steve, they are declared co-winners and left to split their prize any way they choose. As they journey to Hollywood with the car, Steve attempts to steal it from naive Malcolm, but his efforts are thwarted by Malcolm's pet Great Dane named Mr. Bascomb. Eventually, Steve develops a change of heart when they pick up Terry Roberts (played by Pat Crowley), a showgirl and aspiring Hollywood actress with whom he falls in love.
Despite any personal tensions between Martin and Lewis during their split, they remained professionals on set, delivering strong performances under Tashlin's direction. The formula of Martin's suave straight man complementing Lewis's manic clownish persona still works effectively, creating numerous visual gags and good banter.
The script by Erna Lazarus is rather weak and forgettable, but Tashlin compensates with a vignette-based structure that turns the road film into a series of slapstick gags that sometimes look like they belong to a cartoon. The journey features encounters with scantily clad nubile women, adding an almost surreal, fairytale-like quality to the story.
Film hints at satire and self-deprecatory comedy about Hollywood, which is most evident in final scenes taking part in Paramount Pictures studios, including sets for prestigious King Vidor’s production of War and Peace which was being made at the time. On the othe rhand, Hollywood or Bust offers an incredible insight into America's mindset during its height of power. The film showcases a country that seems big in every way – big tracts of land, big cars, big busts by starlets like Anita Ekberg, and big stars dominating the screen, newspaper headlines or billboards.
Martin and Lewis easily outshine the rest of the cast, particularly Ekberg, whose presence is limited to a glorified cameo. Pat Crowley, who had worked with Martin and Lewis before, delivers a solid performance as the "good" girl. Although some scenes may seem disturbingly like sexual abuse from today's perspective, the film remains an enjoyable escapist hour and a half of entertainment.
Hollywood or Bust is far from being the best film of its time or in the Martin and Lewis series, but it showcases duo’s comedic brilliance effectively. There were definitely worse ways to end that legendary partnership. The film's ability to entertain and provide a glimpse into America's past makes it a worthwhile watch for fans of classic comedy and those interested in exploring the history of Hollywood.
RATING: 6/10 (++)
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