1h 44min | Comedy, Music, Sport | 31 May 1951
Director: Hal Walker
Stars: Dean Martin, Jerry Lewis, Ruth Hussey, Polly Bergen.
Eddie Prinz ... dance director (uncredited)
Watched online, ok print.
No way would I tag this as Music/al. We get 3 songs, one of which is just the college fight song. DM sings I'm in the Mood for Love, and DM/PB sing/dance Ballin' the Jack with an ensemble at the high school graduation celebration.
Yeah, DM/JL/PB play new high school graduates. DM (b. '17), JL (b. '26), PB (b. '30). JL can act young, of course, but DM is 34 in '51. Good thing this is in b/w with no extreme closeups.
PB was in the last M&L film, and she's barely in this one; only in the first and last bits.
The story is rather sweet. DM is kind to JL, looks out for him, and even though he's being paid to, he develops genuine affection for the geek.
JL is using his loud awkward guy persona to good effect here, and the script shows us how his parents contributed to his awkwardness. He evolves in the film too.
DM/JL form a romantic triangle with a girl which gets resolved satisfactorily.
I like when people are nice to each other. I don't really recommend this film, but I was happy to have watched it, and I have higher hope for the remaining M&L films now.
Yes, the Wallis in the production company name is Hal Wallis. No idea what the Hazen is.
Wallis-Hazen, distr. Paramount, dir. Walker; 6
