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Those who truly enjoy Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis' brand of humor will surely get a lot of laughs from watching Artists and Models (1955). Newbies to comedies by these iconic stars might find the plot of this film a tad too silly, but I dare anyone watching it not to laugh. There are some unparalleled hilarious scenes and the movie spotlights wonderful talent - the already polished Dorothy Malone, the always outrageous Eva Gabor and an early look at Shirley MacLaine in only her second feature film.
Dean Martin & Jerry Lewis
Martin plays Rick Todd, a struggling artist who can't seem to get a break or have anyone significant notice his work. His roommate, Eugene Fullstack, is almost in the same boat, He writes children's stories that he dreams up while sleeping and hopes to turn them into comic books. Meanwhile Rick and Todd paint billboards, and fail miserably at that. So Eugene plans beans for dinner, which only makes Rick madder every night.
Meanwhile comic book artist Abigail 'Abby' Parker (Dorothy Malone) is having some problems with her book publisher Mr. Murdock.
Dorothy Malone
He's under the gun from his wife and company owner to increase sales. In a delightful scene where Murdock tells Bessie she's not producing, Eddie Mayehoff plays Murdock with the same level of humor as Martin and Lewis. He's terrific.
When Rick and Eugene show up at Murdock's to look for a job they meet Parker and Bessie Sparrowbrush (Shirley MacLaine). While Rick steams ahead to get a date with Abigail, Eugene confesses his adoration for The Bat Lady, whom he doesn't realize is actually Bessie.
While both men pursue their women and new jobs, there's plenty of opportunity for Martin to croon some romantic tunes like "You Look So Familiar" and "The Lucky Song."
Dean Martin & Dorothy Malone
A subplot that involves a government formula for a secret rocket fuel brings in a host of agents who get mixed up with Rick and Eugene.
Most of Jerry Lewis' physical antics in this movie are top notch. He's side-splittingly funny when he uncovers his dinner plate to reveal one bean, plucks an eyebrow and cuts through it with his knife to make sure it's sharp, and then attacks the bean, all while his face goes through a kaleidoscope of changes.
Most ages will find this film delightful.
Directors: Frank Tashlin
Writer: story - Michael Davidson and Norman Lessine, screenplay - Herbert Baker, Hal Kanter, Don McGuire, Frank Tashlin
Cast: Dean Martin, Jerry Lewis, Shirley MacLaine, Dorothy Malone, Eddie Mayehoff. Eva Gabor
Eva Gabor
Rating: Not rated
Classic Movie Guide Rating: 3 our of 5 stars
Run Time: 109
Studio: Paramount Pictures
Format: Color, full screen
Photo Credits: Paramount Pictures
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