"The Stooge" is a different Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis movie. Although billed a comedy, it is mostly a drama. One can understand Paramount's long delays in its release. Made in early 1951, it didn't get general distribution in the U.S. for almost two years. It was first released in the UK on Nov. 15, 1951, then had a U.S. premier on Dec. 31, 1952, with general release in February of 1953.
The studio's concern was over audience reaction to how Martin's Bill Miller treated Lewis's Ted Rogers. Indeed, what is comedy within the story on the stage probably won't seem funny at all to most audiences of the movie. The problem is that had this been a biopic it would be okay to show past relationships and treatments, whatever they were like. But, presenting it as a comedy itself - for the movie audience, it doesn't work at all.
This is actually a fairly good film as a drama that shows that relationship between the two characters. One can understand also why Jerry Lewis would like it as a favorite movie - no doubt from that dramatic side. While Ted is a funny and sometimes silly stooge from the audience that makes Bill's stage act work - as a comedy, Ted is not a dumbbell who doesn't understand the gist of the audience laughing at his antics. So, within the movie, he's into the act. Perhaps Paramount couldn't see, as some within the movie apparently can't either, that Ted was okay with that. Ted is basically shy and doesn't like or want to be in the limelight. But, he enjoys goofing around, singing and being silly with Bill, and getting audiences to laugh.
Bill does show concern for Ted in their travels and a couple of scenes. The problem with the film is that it portrays Bill's ego as one thing, but his actual relationship with Ted as another. People react to the bad ego and the selfishness and false pride that Bill shows. Dean Martin's acting job wasn't as natural as it usually was with Jerry, and that has a dampening effect on getting into the story.
So, with all of that - people who expect a typical Martin-Lewis comedy here will be let down. It's a hard stretch even to label it a comedy. But it's there. My guess is that audiences aren't prepared for this and because of that, Paramount considered that the movie wouldn't go over very well. And, they were probably right. Too bad they couldn't promote it as a dramatic comedy and publicize to that effect so that audiences might enjoy the film as Jerry Lewis - the actor, in real life, saw and appreciated it. But, then again, they might have thought that to be box office poison - a Martin-Lewis film as drama rather than comedy.
The film's opening written prologue on the screen doesn't resolve the problem, but intimates that some comedy and laughter are to follow. "New York, 1930. The story is about some names in the bright lights on the Great White Way... and a certain dim bulb."
One other comment is needed here - to distinguish this film from the real life and team of Martin and Lewis. At least one other reviewer thought this film was an accurate reflection of the Martin-Lewis relationship and partnership in real life. Don't believe that for a moment. Any number of sources are available that give their background. Jerry Lewis was in command and was the driving force for their comedy. He did what he did because he was so good at it and loved it. And, he knew how to milk it for all it was worth. It was Dean Martin who eventually tired of the partnership when they finally split. And, a big part of the reason was Jerry's iron-fist control of the plots, routines and films.
Also, in real life, Lewis was a prominent humanitarian. He began what became known as the Jerry Lewis Telethon on TV in 1966 to raise money to fight muscular dystrophy. By his last hosting of the annual telethon in 2009, he was credited with raising almost $2.5 billion for the MD charity.
Here are a couple favorite lines from the film.
Mary Turner Miller, "You'll keep on looking out for him, won't you, Leo?" Leo Lyman, "For ten percent, I'd look after my own mother-in-law."
Sam Robertson, "Is he bleeding, Ms. Regan?" Miss Regan, "No, I don't think so." Sam Robertson, "Oh, too bad."
Sam Robertson, "Miss Regan." Miss Regan, "Yes?" Sam Robertson, "Tell me the truth. Do you honestly think he's human?" Miss Regan, "I've heard people bet both ways."
